Thursday 26 December 2013

Habits That Wreck Your Teeth: Opening Stuff With Your Teeth


Opening bottle caps or plastic packaging with your teeth may be convenient, but this is one habit that makes dentists cringe. Using your teeth as tools can cause them to crack or chip. Instead, keep scissors and bottle openers handy. Bottom line, your teeth should only be used for eating.

Above article from: webmd.com/oral-health


Timothy P. Thomas, DDS, PC
37799 Professional Center Drive, Suite 101 Livonia, MI 48154
Phone: (734) 464-2664
Website: www.MyLivoniaSmiles.com 

Wellness Dentistry

What is Wellness Dentistry?Wellness Dentistry Livonia MI
We offer and practice “Wellness Care” in our office. It is a preventive measure to NOT have potential dental problems worsen and need treatment. We take the time to discuss with you how to avoid these troubles. What we do is give you a thorough examination – inspect your bite and how your teeth fit together, if they are worn, and look for signs of gum disease, oral cancer, and other issues that would affect your oral health later. We want to catch any possible problem early to keep your teeth and gums healthy to avoid any loss or disease in the future. 


Timothy P. Thomas, DDS, PC
37799 Professional Center Drive, Suite 101 Livonia, MI 48154
Phone: (734) 464-2664
Website: www.MyLivoniaSmiles.com 

Gum Disease Treatment

Reason for Lost Teeth Gum Disease and Body Health Livonia MI
Many people make the assumption that tooth loss is from decay. But the main reason is gum disease. The symptoms can be painless until the infection reaches a severe level. Signs may be bleeding gums during flossing or brushing and loose or shifting teeth. If infected gums are treated in the early stages, nonsurgical methods can be used.

Gum Disease is Linked to Other Serious Diseases
The American Dental Association has estimated that 80% of the American population has gum (periodontal) disease. At such a level, most dentists consider it to be an epidemic. This epidemic has not received the attention that other serious health problems have, as it is not considered life- threatening. Now, recent medical research has changed all that – a link between heart disease, stroke, and gum disease has been made!

The bacteria that infect the gums travels throughout the bloodstream and body and can have an effect on all organs, especially the heart. A report from the American Academy of Periodontology states: “studies found periodontal infection may contribute to the development of heart disease, increase the risk of premature, underweight births, and pose a serious threat to people whose health is already compromised due to diabetes and respiratory diseases.”

Periodontal Disease Treatment Livonia MIGood News to Stop Gum Disease
Early detection and treatments will control the problem before it reaches an advanced stage and requires surgery. Although surgery is successful in halting the condition, nonsurgical procedures and better dental hygiene can also reverse the condition and restore gums to good health. Most dental insurances usually cover both procedures.

The Problem with Missing Teeth
Whether a tooth is lost from injury, decay, or gum disease, it will lead to other problems if not replaced with an implant. A missing tooth lessens the amount of nutrients you absorb from your food. Chewing may become difficult, so easier-to-eat softer foods are selected, which can cause weight gain. Eventually, the shape of your face will change to a “sunken” look and you will appear older than you are. You may not speak as clearly as with a full set of teeth. But today, implants are the solution to the problem. They are used to replace one or more missing teeth and they look and function just like a natural tooth.


Timothy P. Thomas, DDS, PC
37799 Professional Center Drive, Suite 101 Livonia, MI 48154
Phone: (734) 464-2664
Website: www.MyLivoniaSmiles.com 

Sleep Apnea Dental Treatment

Get a Good Night’s Rest
Sleep Apnea Dental Treatment Livonia MI Have you been told that your breathing is interrupted during sleep? Do you snore loudly or fall asleep during the day? You may be aware you have sleep apnea and already use the CPAP device to alleviate your breathing problem. This device pumps air into a patient’s lungs through a mask they wear that fits over the nose and mouth. Many people find wearing the bulky mask each night very uncomfortable, so they stop using it.

We are pleased to be able to offer our patients a new option with an oral appliance. It is a small acrylic device that fits over upper and lower teeth. It gently realigns both the jaw and tongue to allow air to flow into the lungs while you sleep. It is easy to insert, remove, and clean, and it is easy to transport during travel. There is a 90% success rate with users, so please give us a call if you have been diagnosed with sleep apnea. 


Timothy P. Thomas, DDS, PC
37799 Professional Center Drive, Suite 101 Livonia, MI 48154
Phone: (734) 464-2664
Website: www.MyLivoniaSmiles.com

Tuesday 24 December 2013

Habits That Wreck Your Teeth: Bedtime Bottles


It’s never too early to protect teeth. Giving a baby a bedtime bottle of juice, milk, or formula, can put new teeth on a path to decay. The baby may become used to falling asleep with the bottle in his or her mouth, bathing the teeth in sugars overnight. It's best to keep bottles out of the crib.

Above article from: webmd.com/oral-health


Timothy P. Thomas, DDS, PC
37799 Professional Center Drive, Suite 101 Livonia, MI 48154
Phone: (734) 464-2664
Website: www.MyLivoniaSmiles.com 

Monday 23 December 2013

Habits that Wreck Your Teeth: Cough Drops



Just because cough drops are sold in the medicine aisle doesn't mean they’re healthy. Most are loaded with sugar. So after soothing your throat with a lozenge, be sure to brush well. Whether the sugar comes from a cough drop or a hard candy, it reacts with the sticky plaque that coats your teeth. Then bacteria in the plaque convert the sugar into an acid that eats away at tooth enamel. Hello, cavities.
 
Above article from: webmd.com/oral-health


Timothy P. Thomas, DDS, PC
37799 Professional Center Drive, Suite 101 Livonia, MI 48154
Phone: (734) 464-2664
Website: www.MyLivoniaSmiles.com