Southfield Family Dental Center

Periodontitis: The Stages and Symptoms

Gum disease, or periodontitis, is a common dental health problem that becomes progressively worse. When left untreated, it can lead to serious dental issues, including tooth loss. It is important to be aware of the possible warning signs of periodontitis, and to schedule an appointment with your dentist right away if you notice them. Seeing your dentist regularly for check-ups also aids in early detection of gum disease. Here’s a look at the stages of periodontitis and the symptoms associated with each stage:

Gingivitis Warning Signs
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease. It’s also the mildest and the most easily treatable form, provided you see your dentist for professional care. If you have gingivitis, you might notice that your gums are redder than usual or that they appear swollen or inflamed. When you brush and floss your teeth, your gums might be more prone to bleeding. Make a note of any abnormalities you observe and see your dentist promptly for treatment. Additionally, you’ll need to follow a good at-home dental care routine.

Periodontitis Symptoms
Periodontitis develops when gingivitis is left untreated. As the infection in your mouth continues to worsen, the gums begin to form pockets between the tissue and your teeth. This adds to the accumulation of plaque. The underlying tissues and bone structure begins to deteriorate. At this stage, you might notice symptoms like tooth pain, loose teeth, sensitive teeth, and bad breath. You might notice that your gum line begins to recede and that your biting pattern has changed. See your dentist for a scaling and root planning procedure, and follow a better oral hygiene routine at home.

Advanced Periodontitis Complications
If you do not see your dentist for treatment or you neglect at-home oral care, your periodontitis will continue to worsen. The bone and tissue will continue to deteriorate, which will cause eventual tooth loss.

Prevent periodontitis by scheduling regular appointments at Southfield Family Dental  Center. If you already have gum disease, Dr. Zeevi, a Periodontist can help you reverse the condition. Please schedule an appointment today by calling (248) 327-0313 or visit our website to learn more about our dentistry services.

Orthodontic Options: Incognito

Today, there are a variety of orthodontic options for teens and adults wishing to achieve a straighter, healthier smile. Incognito braces are lingual braces that your dentist applies to the backs, rather than the fronts, of your teeth. This means that they are completely invisible to those around you! They are custom-designed based on your mouth’s unique shape and structure to deliver efficient results for a confident smile and better dental health. Incognito braces have little impact on your speech and are comfortable to wear because the brackets do not rub against your cheeks or lips. Your dentist can examine your mouth and discuss your needs during a simple orthodontic exam to find out if Incognito braces could be right for you.

At Southfield Family Dental, our dentists are here to meet your every need. Dr. Oleg, Dr. Levi, and the rest of the dental team are proud to provide top-quality family dental care, cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, and emergency dental services. Contact Southfield Family Dental Center by calling (248) 327-0313 or clicking on our web contact form. 

How to Maintain Your Dentures

A pair of well-maintained dentures provide confidence every time you smile. Taking care of your dentures requires only a few minutes each day to clean and store them properly. Your dentist will work with you to ensure you know how to care for your dentures and your mouth to maintain good dental health.

Handle With Care
Your dentures should always be handled with care. Place a towel on the counter and along the bottom of your sink when cleaning your dentures to prevent damage if they are dropped. Don’t leave dentures anywhere children or pets can reach them, even if they are in a case.

Clean With the Right Products
Brush your dentures with a soft brush after every meal. Avoid using bleach or other household cleaners, as these damage the look and function of your dentures in the long term. Talk to your dentist if you aren’t sure which products are best. Often a mild dishwashing liquid or hand soap is adequate to remove debris and surface stains. Avoid using whitening toothpaste—it will not brighten your dentures, and may instead scratch them.

Store Safely Overnight
You should never wear your dentures overnight unless specifically directed by your dentist. Store your dentures in a denture soaking solution in a safe container. Never leave dentures wrapped in a towel or stored dry, as they need to be kept moist to retain their shape. Dentures with metal attachments should be soaked in plain water rather than with a cleanser to prevent tarnishing. Use only cool or lukewarm water, as hot water can warp the shape of your dentures.

Find out how you can improve your smile with dentures, dental implants, and other restorative options with the help of Dr. Levi, Dr. Oleg, and the dental team at Southfield Family Dental Center. Call us today at (248) 327-0313 to find out more about our current special offers, including new patient specials. You can find more helpful tips about dentures and general dental care by clicking on our blog. 

How to Brush for a Healthy Smile

Proper toothbrushing technique is essential for good dental health. In this video, you will see how to brush properly to maximize your daily oral care routine. Brushing should take a full two minutes each time, allowing you to concentrate on cleaning every tooth surface. Start by brushing the outer surfaces of your top teeth, then move to the bottom teeth. Next, brush the inner surfaces and then the chewing surfaces of your teeth. Finish by brushing your tongue and rinsing with water for fresh breath and healthy smile.

You can get more toothbrushing tips from your dentist at Southfield Family Dental Care. Contact us at (248) 327-0313 to schedule an appointment for a cleaning from Dr. Levi, Dr. Oleg, or Dr. Allswang. You can find more dental care information by clicking through our blog. 

What Types of Foods Can Keep Your Teeth Healthy?

The foods you eat have a big impact on your dental health. Choosing a diet full of mouth-healthy foods keeps your teeth and gums strong for a lifetime. Your Southfield dentist can explain which foods are best for your smile and which should be avoided to prevent dental problems.

Whole Grain Breads
Menu options that contain whole grains are packed full of vitamin B and iron for better periodontal health. Whole grain breads also contain magnesium, an essential building block for strong, healthy teeth. You can include more whole grains in your diet by choosing brown rice, bran, and whole wheat breads, cereals, or pastas.

Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Piling your plate with fresh fruits and vegetables will help to maintain great dental health. High-fiber options, such as apples, bananas, and celery promote saliva production to remineralize and strengthen teeth. Additionally, the texture of crunchy fruits and veggies acts as a natural toothbrush to scrape plaque from the teeth. Citrus fruits contain vitamin C for healthy gums, which are essential to your overall dental health. Broccoli, spinach, bok choy, and other leafy greens are also rich in calcium and vitamin K to promote healthy teeth and jaws.

Dairy Products
Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt are high in calcium and vitamin D, which builds strong bones and teeth. Cheese and milk also contain acid-neutralizing properties, which prevent the plaque on your teeth from eating away at tooth enamel and causing decay. Even chocolate milk is good for your teeth, because the properties of the milk counteract the dissolved sugars in this sweet treat.

You can learn more about maintaining a healthy smile from Dr. Oleg, Dr. Levi, and the other dentists at Southfield Family Dental Center. We are dedicated to helping you and your family achieve great dental health for beautiful smiles. Contact us by calling (248) 327-0313 or click on our website to learn more about pediatric, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry in Southfield.