Mar 27, 2025 | Blog, Dental Information, Dental Topics 3
Every hour, one American loses the battle with oral cancer. In fact, oral cancer kills more people than liver, cervical, or testicular cancer. Recently, Michael Douglas shined a spotlight on this illness by revealing his own battle with the disease, after a malignant tumor was discovered at the base of his tongue, near the back of his throat.
Although men have as greater risk of developing oral cancer than women, and tobacco use increases your odds, 25 percent of oral cancer victims have no lifestyle risk factors.
You can follow these tips to keep your mouth healthy:
• Visit the dentist regularly. Your provider is trained to know what is normal and what isn’t. During your routine exam, the doctor will evaluate your teeth and gums, looking for anything out of the ordinary. At Brown, Reynolds & Snow Dentistry, we also offer ViziLite Plus cancer screening. ViziLite Plus uses technology that helps the dentist identify soft tissue abnormalities that may develop into cancer.
• Watch for unusual signs. Common symptoms of oral cancer include unusual bumps or thickenings, unexplained bleeding in the mouth, hoarseness, and voice changes. Contact your dentist right away if you develop any of these symptoms.
• Cut out tobacco and alcohol. Smokers have six times the risk of developing oral cancer as non-smokers. As well, heavy drinking increases your chances of receiving an oral cancer diagnosis.
• Perform a self-exam. Early detection substantially improves your odds of survival with oral cancer, so examine your lips, gums, cheeks, tongue, and the roof of your mouth at least once a month.
• Limit sun exposure. When you do go outside, apply sunscreen to your lips for added protection against harmful UV rays.
It’s time for your dental check up at our Bingham Farms dental office.
Mar 13, 2025 | Blog, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Topics 3
Though most people take their kids to the pediatrician or visit a dermatologist when they have skin issues, few people look for a cosmetic dentist to perform smile enhancements. Many individuals assume their family dentist can complete the updates they desire. If you want to change your dental appearance, you should consider the benefits of selecting a cosmetic dentist.
A cosmetic dentist can offer the following advantages:
Advanced Training
If a dentist specializes in cosmetic dentistry, he or she will likely have taken post-graduate classes that focus on this area. Because cosmetic dentistry continues to change and evolve, choosing a cosmetic dentist will help you find a practitioner who is up-to-date on the latest advances.
Specialized Expertise
It may seem like anyone can place a filling or crown, but that isn’t always the case. When you need repair work on a front tooth or on any tooth visible when you smile, going with a cosmetic dentist can ensure that you keep your gorgeous appearance intact.
Artistic Vision
For individuals looking to completely makeover their smiles, a cosmetic dentist has the experience and creativity to produce amazing results. A good cosmetic dentist will meet with you to discuss your ideas, show you examples of other smile makeovers, and then customize a detailed plan for your smile transformation.
Are dental issues holding you back? Take control of your oral health by booking an appointment with our experienced team at our Bingham Farms dental office.
Feb 6, 2025 | Blog, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Topics 3
There are many types of cosmetic dental procedures, from teeth whitening to porcelain veneers. While some procedures like veneers require little to no advance preparation, some procedures require more forethought. Make the most of your visit by making the right preparations.
All cosmetic dental procedures should begin with a discussion with your dentist. Your dentist is skilled and experienced. Your dentist best knows your teeth and your dental needs and can give you the advice you need. Some common cosmetic dental procedures and how to prepare for them are explained below.
Teeth whitening: Cleaning your teeth before a tooth whitening treatment will help you achieve better results. If you clean the plaque and tartar off of the tooth surface, the whitening will affect the entire surface of the tooth. Be sure to look at a shade guide before your procedure to establish your existing tooth color and to choose your goal shade. Teeth whitening is not recommended for expectant or nursing mothers, as the effects of the whitening chemicals on unborn children or infants has not been explored.
Oral surgery: Many cosmetic dentistry procedures involve some type of oral surgery. To prepare for your surgery, follow all of the instructions of your surgeon. Make transportation arrangements, as you may not be able to drive. Get your medication in advance, so you will be prepared to take your pain medication or antibiotics immediately following your procedure instead of having to wait and possibly endure pain. Follow all of your pre-op instructions, including any diet restrictions. Plan your recovery diet beforehand, so you will have a variety of healthy, appropriate foods available to you.
Braces: Before braces are applied to your teeth, you will need a full check-up to look for decay or problems with your gums. After application or adjustment, your mouth may be sore. Treat this with over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications. Because braces may chafe initially against your teeth and gums, have some specialized wax available to place over the bracket to help shield your mouth until your tongue and cheeks adjust.
Ready to transform your smile? Schedule your appointment today at our Bingham Farms dental office.
Jan 23, 2025 | Blog, Cosmetic Dentistry, Dental Topics 3
When you meet someone for the first time, they notice things about you: your hair, your eyes, your handshake, but most of all they notice your smile. A bright, even smile, freely given, can leave the most positive impression you can make on a stranger. It sends a message of friendliness, confidence and ease. As you continue speaking to that stranger, your smile, your ready laugh and your comfortable manner all send the right signals of health and well-being.
When you don’t have a nice smile, that confidence is lacking. Smiles become tight-lipped, heads are bowed down and laughter is smaller and speech can become clipped. You avoid eating in public and when you do, you cover your mouth constantly with your hand to hide your teeth. Bad breath from bad teeth could lead you to fear getting close with someone. The message sent here is one of avoidance and embarrassment and shame.
Bad teeth and poor oral health can hold us back in our personal lives as well as our professional ones. Smiles that are decayed and unattractive send signals that we never intend. Correct or not, they can indicate histories of poverty, a lack of education or poor hygiene habits. These indications, even when they’re wrong, can lead to being passed over for promotions, for dates or for a variety of social opportunities.
Don’t be this person. Take steps now to work with a cosmetic dentist to change everything you don’t like about your smile. From large changes to small ones, a skilled cosmetic dentist can makeover your smile to be the bright, beautiful smile you’ve always desired.
Whether you need to correct some cavities and to revamp your oral hygiene habits at home, or if you need braces to correct alignment issues, a cosmetic dentist can help you. Dental veneers can change the color, shape and length of one or more teeth, and missing or gapped teeth can be replaced with dental implants or dental bridges.
Don’t let your smile hold you back another minute. Talk to a cosmetic dentist today about your smile makeover.
Do you live in Bingham Farms or the surrounding area? Our team is ready to help you achieve your smile goals. Schedule your appointment today.
Jan 16, 2025 | Blog, Dental Topics 3, Implant Dentistry
Failure to take good care of your teeth can result in tooth loss, and so can issues like trauma or aging. No matter why you lose a tooth or multiple teeth, you’ll want a secure, comfortable and attractive replacement. Dental implants come to the rescue with all of these benefits and more.
A dental implant involves placing a titanium rod into your jaw to provide a sturdy new root, and then topping it off with an artificial tooth. You’ll end up with a fully functional tooth that works, looks, and feels just like a natural tooth.
There are a number of advantages that dental implants bring:
- prevents movement of neighboring teeth
- does not negatively impact adjacent teeth
- looks aesthetically appealing
- does not slip or move in any way
- provides comfortable fit
- lasts a lifetime with proper care
- requires no special maintenance
Dental implants are inserted surgically while you are under local anesthesia, so you won’t feel anything during the procedure. There may be minor swelling or minimal pain that can be managed by over-the-counter remedies, and those side effects should dissipate within a couple of days. Risks are low and the long-term results are very good. The implant fuses with your body and you won’t even know it’s there once it has healed.
Ongoing care for your dental implant simply involves regular brushing and flossing, and dental checkups to ensure continued good oral health. You should be able to expect your fully restored smile to look and feel great for years to come.
Are dental issues holding you back? Take control of your oral health by booking an appointment with our experienced team at our Bingham Farms dental office.
Jan 2, 2025 | Blog, Dental Topics 3, Implant Dentistry
Restoring a missing tooth is not as unnatural as you might think with the help of dental implants. These restorations have transformed the ability of dentists to make your smile complete and fully functional without the worries of cumbersome dentures or bridges.
Dental implants involve surgically placing a titanium rod into the jaw bone, which will then fuse with the bone to become a part of your body. A trusted, experienced dentist or oral surgeon is the best professional for this procedure. The implant provides a stable and secure base for a replacement tooth which is later placed on top of the rod.
Most people with missing teeth are candidates for dental implants, although your dentist will perform an examination to make sure. Healthy gums and ample strong bones are required for a successful dental implant treatment.
There are two main types of dental implants. Subperiosteal is designed for patients with a shallow jaw bone that does not allow for rebuilding, so these implants are placed under the gums. Endosteal is for patients with a thick jaw bone, which is ideal for the implant being placed into the jaw bone using plates, screws and cylinders for support. Your dentist will advise which type of implants are best for you.
Once the implant surgery is performed, the area will be allowed to heal for up to a couple of months so that the artificial tooth or crown placed on top will be able to successfully complete the procedure. Once the entire treatment is finished, you’ll have a fully functional, comfortable and secure new tooth and root.
No special maintenance is required with dental implants. Normal brushing and flossing is recommended, as well as regular dental checkups to guarantee good oral health. Implants are made to last a lifetime with proper oral care. With this advanced treatment that dentistry offers today, you can expect a worry-free restoration that gives you back your smile.
Take the first step towards optimal oral hygiene. Reserve your dental appointment at our Bingham Farms dental office now and experience personalized care.
