Author: drbalog

Brushing Your Teeth: Answers to 5 Common Teeth Brushing Questions

Posted on by drbalog

A lot of people have questions when it comes to brushing their teeth. How often should I replace my toothbrush? How much toothpaste do I really need? It may seem straightforward, but some of the answers to the most common teeth brushing questions may shock you.

What’s Better: A Regular or Power Toothbrush?

Both types of toothbrushes can get the job done. If you tend to get more plaque buildup or have trouble brushing by yourself, a power toothbrush may be a better option for you. Regardless if you choose a regular or power brush, always look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance as they have been tested and verified safe for your teeth.

How Often Should I Replace My Toothbrush?

You should change your toothbrush every three to four months, or once a season. While your dentist gives you a new toothbrush at your biannual visit, make sure you are changing them between your appointments as well. The toothbrush bristles wear out over time and won’t be able to keep your teeth as clean.

How Much Toothpaste Do I Need To Use?

The full length of your toothbrush’s bristles. Adults and children age 3 and older should use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste, and children younger than 3 should use fluoride toothpaste the size of a grain of rice. Again, make sure to use a toothpaste with an ADA Seal of Acceptance.

Which is Best: Hard, Medium or Soft Bristles?

Firm or medium bristles can cause damage to your enamel or gums, so always choose soft. In fact, all brushes with the ADA Seal of Acceptance are soft! When brushing your teeth, only brush hard enough to scrub the film off your teeth. Your fluoride toothpaste will the rest.

How Often Should I Brush My Teeth?

Brush your teeth twice a day. Once when you wake up in the morning and once before you go to bed.

Conclusion

A few healthy habits can keep both your body and your teeth in good shape. Remember to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss between your teeth daily. In addition, eating a healthy diet and limiting sugary beverages and snacks will minimize your chance of tooth decay, keeping your mouth happy and healthy. If you have any questions about brushing or need recommendations for toothbrushes, contact our office today.

The Impact of Halloween Candy on Your Teeth

Posted on by drbalog

Candy, just like anything else, is ok to have in moderation, but it may be hard to moderate on a holiday when there’s candy everywhere you go. And we’re not just talking about children either. Eighty-six percent of parents steal from their children’s Halloween candy haul. Non-parents have big cravings for Halloween candy too. Reportedly 73% of adults purchase more candy than they’ll need for trick-or-treaters so they have extra to eat themselves.

When it comes to understanding how your dental health is impacted by candy, let’s look at the most common types of candy and also discuss ways you can minimize the impact on your teeth with consistent dental hygiene practices.

Common Candies & The Impact On Teeth

Hard Candy: Hard candy has the ability to break your teeth. Also, because they tend to be in your mouth for a long amount of time, the sugar gets in your saliva and washes over your teeth.

Sour Candy: Sour candy is very acidic, and the acidity can damage the hard outer shell of your teeth, making you more susceptible to cavities.

Chocolate: One of the best types of candy to eat in terms of your dental health, chocolate washes off of your teeth easily. 

Sticky/Gummy Candies: Sticky or gummy candies are the worst for your teeth. It’s hard to get off of your teeth and gives cavity-inducing bacteria more time to act.

Dental Tips for Halloween

Here are a few tips to help keep a healthy mouth while still indulging in Halloween candy:

Pick Your Favorites & Donate the Rest

Your teeth will thank you for limiting your candy stash. Donate the rest to organizations like Ronald McDonald House, Treats for Troops or see if your dentist office has a Halloween candy buy back program.

Time Your Candy Consumption

Your saliva production increases after a meal. By eating your candy right after mealtime, your mouth has a better chance of canceling out acid and flushing out food particles. 

Avoid Hard and Sticky Candy

Hard candy tends to be in the mouth longer and sticky candy is hard to wash off your teeth. By avoiding both you’re able to reduce the chance of tooth decay.


It’s ok to eat candy, but make sure you understand how each type impacts your teeth and find ways to moderate in order to prevent potential dental issues. Also, make sure to practice good oral hygiene by brushing two times a day and flossing regularly. Your six-month cleanings can help catch problems before they get serious as well. If you haven’t scheduled your routine cleaning, contact our office today to make an appointment.

Can Gum Actually Improve Your Dental Health?

Posted on by drbalog

Humans have been chewing versions of gum for centuries. While most were made from some form of tree sap, today’s gum is made up of several synthetic materials. A lot of people think of gum as candy, and therefore, not great for your dental health. But chewing gum can actually help your teeth – as long as it’s sugar-free.

Effects of Gum

While chewing gum that contains sugar can cause cavities, chewing sugar-free gum can be helpful in dislodging food debris, increasing your salivary flow, and curbing bad breath. Studies have shown it can also help patients with dry mouth because of the increase in saliva.

In addition, chewing gum exercises our jaw muscles and makes them stronger. On the other hand, excessive or aggressive gum chewing can result in muscle fatigue and soreness like any other muscle in your body. This kind of chewing can result in spasms in the jaw, neck and head so it is important to limit the amount you chew gum.

Can Chewing Gum to Prevent Cavities?

Yes. The act of chewing can increase your salivary flow by 10-12 times. Increasing your saliva by chewing sugar-free gum can help to neutralize acid produced by mouth bacteria and wash away food and other debris. Gum containing sugar can also increase saliva flow, but the sugar can promote growth of plaque bacteria, doing more harm than good.

Tips for Selecting Chewing Gum

When choosing a gum, look for the ADA’s Seal of Acceptance. Gums with the ADA seal are sugar-free and sweetened by non-cavity producing sweeteners, such as, xylitol, aspartame, mannitol, stevia and more. Those sweetened with xylitol are an extra good choice as studies have found that xylitol can decrease the amount of cavity causing bacteria in your mouth. 

The ADA has given its Seal of Acceptance to the following sugar-free gum:

While chewing sugar-free gum doesn’t replace brushing, flossing or professional cleanings, it’s not a bad addition to your dental hygiene routine. As long as it’s sugar-free, feel free to chew away. 

What It Takes to Be a Dentist, Hygienist & Dental Assistant in Michigan

Posted on by drbalog

It’s not easy to become a dentist or work in the dental field. You may see “DDS” or “DDM” next to your dentist’s name. These acronyms both mean that they have graduated from an accredited dental school. “DDS” (Doctor of Dental Surgery) and “DDM” (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry or Doctor of Dental Medicine) are actually the same degrees, they just have different names depending on what the university decided to call it. Each degree is awarded after the following requirements are achieved:

  • 3 or more years of undergraduate education
  • 4 years of dental school
  • Must pass national exam
  • Must pass state exam

And that’s just to become a general dentist! If the doctor decides to specialize, become an orthodontist, periodontist or oral surgeon, additional training is required. 

Doctors aren’t the only ones who need years of schooling to work in the office. Most dental hygiene programs take at least 2 years to complete and completion allows the hygienist to take the licensure exams. Dental assistant programs are a bit shorter and take anywhere from 9-11 months to complete.

Michigan Requirements

Every dentist, hygienist and dental assistant is required to meet certain criteria and requirements in order to be licensed in the state of Michigan. Here are some of those requirements for each:

Dentists

  • Official transcripts must be sent to Michigan’s Bureau of Professional Licensing
  • National Board scores must be sent directly to Michigan’s Bureau of Professional Licensing
  • Pass the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) simulated clinical written examination 
  • Pass all parts of a clinical examination offered by Northeast Regional Board of Dental Examiners (NERB), a regional testing agency approved by the Board, or a state-offered clinical examination that is equivalent to the NERB

Hygienists

  • Official transcripts must be sent to Michigan’s Bureau of Professional Licensing
  • National Board scores must be sent directly to Michigan’s Bureau of Professional Licensing
  • Pass the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) simulated clinical written examination 
  • Pass all parts of a clinical examination offered by Northeast Regional Board of Dental Examiners (NERB), a regional testing agency approved by the Board, or a state-offered clinical examination that is equivalent to the NERB

Assistants

  • Official transcripts must be sent to Michigan’s Bureau of Professional Licensing
  • Pass the Michigan RDA clinical and written examination

Conclusion

With few exceptions, almost everyone you meet in your dental office has had years of schooling and has had to pass multiple exams, both state and national. These highly trained professionals are qualified to prevent or alleviate any dental problems you may have. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Balog and staff.

6 of the Most Common Mouth & Dental Issues

Posted on by drbalog

According to the CDC, more than 40% of adults have felt some kind of mouth pain in the last year and roughly 80% will have at least one cavity by the time they are 34 years old. While in some cases unavoidable, most of the common dental health issues are preventable.

When it comes to your oral health, your hygiene is of utmost importance. Being consistent with your at home care and scheduling regular dental checkups are critical in preventing major dental issues. Still, there are other factors that can impact your dental health such as genetics, medications, diet and other factors.

Here’s a list of six of the most common mouth and dental health issues we see. 

Gum Disease

Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease is an infection that damages gums and can destroy your jaw bone. Those with gum disease likely don’t floss enough or at all, causing buildup of plaque-causing bacteria. Periodontal disease can be treated by deep teeth cleanings performed by your dentist.

Tooth Decay

Failure to brush after large amounts of sugar or acidic foods and beverages can cause tooth decay and cavities. Cavities are treated by drilling away bacteria from the tooth and filling it with a composite material that matches the tooth’s appearance.

Oral Cancer

Usually presenting itself as a swollen or tingly red or white sore, oral cancer can target multiple places in the mouth, including your tongue, throat, lips or cheeks. Oral cancer is treated with chemotherapy or radiation therapy. 

Cleft Lip or Palate

Not a disease, but a developmental issue, cleft lip occurs when tissues in the upper lip don’t form completely at 6-9 weeks’ gestation. Surgery is performed within 18 months of birth to prevent future health issues. If it’s a severe case, a child may need to do speech therapy as well. 

Oral Thrush

A fungal infection that occurs in infants and those with reduced immunity, oral thrush presents itself as milky white lesions on the tongue and cheeks. A dentist treats oral thrush with antibiotics to kill the fungal spores, but oral thrush can be prevented with routine brushing and flossing. 

Bad Breath

A side effect of gingivitis or periodontitis, but can also be caused by smoking, bad dental hygiene and respiratory tract infections, bad breath can be treated by a strict dental hygiene routine and going to the dentist regularly.

The most important way to manage your dental health is to prevent issues before they happen. This is a combination of diet, oral hygiene and regular visits to a dentist. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us; we’re here to help. 

Your Teeth Explained: Incisors, Canines, Molars & More

Posted on by drbalog

We’re taught from a young age the importance of taking care of our teeth and how to do it. But not all teeth are the same. There are four types of teeth in a mouth, each performing a different function. These include: 

  1. Incisors: Eight thin straight teeth at the front of the mouth. Supports your lips, biting into food and pronouncing words.
  2. Canines: Four in total, on each side of your incisors on the top and bottom of your mouth. Canines are used to cut food, support the lips and guide your jaw in place when you close your mouth.
  3. Premolars: Located behind your canines, premolars have a flat top and help you chew food and maintain the height of your face. You have 8 total – 4 on the top and the bottom.
  4. Molars: Behind your premolars are your molars. Also used to chew food and support the height of your face, they are the flattest and widest teeth your mouth. With 12 total, you have 6 on the top and 6 on the bottom.

Primary vs. Permanent Teeth

During your life you have two sets of teeth: primary and permanent. Primary teeth, also known as baby teeth, hold a place in the jaw for when the permanent start coming in. Children start out with 20 primary teeth, 10 on the top and 10 on the bottom, which then are replaced with 32 permanent teeth. 

The first permanent teeth to come in are the 6-year molars around the age of 6 or 7. These are extra teeth that are not replacing any primary teeth. By the age of 13, most children have at least 28 teeth; 4 central incisors, 4 lateral incisors, 8 premolars, 4 canines and 8 molars. The last teeth to come in are your wisdom teeth and that could take until 17-21 to push through the gums.

Anatomy of a Tooth

Now that we know about each type of tooth and how many we have, let’s discuss the anatomy of a tooth. Your teeth are made up of four different dental tissues – enamel, dentin, cementum and pulp. The first three mentioned, enamel, dentin and cementum, are hard tissues while the 4th, pulp, is a soft tissue. 

While this information might have helped you understand what your mouth is made of, the health issues that can arise are just as important to understand. Every mouth is different and requires a personalized treatment plan, especially when trying to address any oral health issues. To start the process toward a healthier mouth and smile, make an appointment with your dentist.

FAQs about Incisors

  1. What are incisors, and what is their primary function?
    • Incisors are the front teeth in your mouth, with four on the top and four on the bottom. Their primary function is to cut and shear food into manageable pieces for chewing and digestion.
  2. At what age do children typically get their incisors?
    • Children usually get their first set of incisors, known as primary or baby incisors, around 6 to 12 months old. Permanent incisors typically begin to replace the primary ones between ages 6 and 8.
  3. How can I take care of my incisors to prevent cavities and other dental issues?
    • To maintain healthy incisors, brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, limit sugary foods and drinks, and visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings.

FAQs about Canines

  1. What is the role of canine teeth in the mouth?
    • Canine teeth, also known as cuspids or eye teeth, are pointed teeth located next to the incisors. Their primary role is to grip and tear food, particularly tougher substances, aiding in the overall chewing process.
  2. Why are my canines sharper than my other teeth?
    • Canines are naturally sharper and more pointed than other teeth to perform their function of tearing and holding food. Their shape helps them withstand the forces of biting and tearing.
  3. Can my canine teeth cause problems with alignment or bite?
    • Yes, misaligned or improperly positioned canines can cause bite issues or overcrowding. Orthodontic treatments like braces or retainers can help correct these problems and ensure proper dental alignment.

FAQs about Molars

  1. What are molars, and what function do they serve?
    • Molars are the large, flat teeth located at the back of your mouth. They are designed for grinding and chewing food into smaller, more digestible pieces. Adults typically have 12 molars, including the wisdom teeth.
  2. When do molars typically come in, and do they get replaced?
    • The first set of primary molars comes in around 12 to 18 months old. These are eventually replaced by permanent molars between ages 6 and 13. Wisdom teeth, or third molars, usually emerge between ages 17 and 25.
  3. What common issues can affect molars, and how can I prevent them?
    • Molars are prone to cavities and decay due to their location and surface area. To prevent issues, maintain good oral hygiene by brushing twice daily, flossing, using mouthwash, and having regular dental check-ups. Sealants may also be applied to protect the grooves in the molars from decay.

What Is the Difference Between Dental Crowns & Dental Bridges?

Posted on by drbalog

In the event that you have a damaged tooth, a dentist may use a crown or bridge to strengthen the tooth as well as improve its appearance, alignment, shape and your overall bite. Before we look at each procedure, it’s important to note the differences between the two devices. A crown covers or “caps” a damaged implant or tooth while a bridge is used if you’re missing a tooth or teeth.

Crowns

There are several reasons your dentist may recommend a crown. A dental crown may be used to:

  • Cover a dental implant
  • Cover a discolored or misshaped tooth
  • Protect a weak tooth
  • Repair a broken tooth
  • Replace a large filling if there’s not a lot of tooth left

As far as the procedure goes, an impression of your tooth is taken by your dentist who then may place a temporary crown onto your tooth until the permanent one is created. The crown is cemented on top of the dental implant or tooth requiring no surgery.

Types of Crowns

If your dentist recommends a crown, you have four different types to choose from.

Ceramic: Mostly used on front teeth, ceramic crowns are best at blending in with your natural tooth color. They are highly resistant to wear but are less durable than the gold and metal alloy crowns.

Porcelain-Fused to Metal: Extremely durable and provides a stronger bond than regular porcelain because it’s fixed to metal.

Gold Alloy: A mix of gold, copper and other various metals, gold alloys have a strong bond to your natural tooth or implant and doesn’t fracture or wear away.

Base Metal Alloy: Made up of non-noble metals, base metal alloys require the least amount of tooth to be removed to fit and are very strong.

Bridges

Your dentist may insert a bridge if you’re missing one or more teeth. Bridges help to:

  • Fill in gaps and restore smiles
  • Prevent other teeth from shifting
  • Restore your ability to chew and speak properly

For a bridge procedure, dentists cement the device to natural teeth or implants surrounding the empty space. Like a crown, this procedure is very non-invasive.

Types of Bridges 

Bridges also come in four different types.

Traditional Bridges: The most popular kind of bridge is made of ceramic or porcelain-fused to metal and is used when your natural teeth surround a missing tooth or gap on both sides. One or more fake teeth are held in place by two abutment teeth, natural teeth given crowns to support fake teeth. 

Cantilever Bridges: These bridges are also attached to an abutment tooth, but only on one side. Because they are only attached on one side, these have a higher chance of complications.

Maryland Bridges: Not as durable as traditional bridges, Maryland bridges are often used in the front of the mouth. They use metal or porcelain bands to bond a fake tooth to the backs of adjacent natural teeth. There are no crowns required but are only as strong as the bonding agent used.

Implant- Supported Bridges: Very similar to traditional bridges, implant-supported bridges are supported by the teeth surrounding the gap, but instead of them being natural teeth, they are implants.

Crown and bridge procedures are becoming more and more common and are easy to complete. Unlike a dental implant procedure that requires surgery and ample recovery time, these restorative devices are a quick, cost effective way to protect your teeth and improve your smile. If you have any questions regarding crowns or bridges, contact our team of dental professionals today.

When To Pull (Extract) a Tooth & When to Save It

Posted on by drbalog

Many don’t realize the importance of having and saving your natural teeth for as long as possible. In many scenarios, a patient might have a tremendous amount of pain or discomfort and will simply want the tooth removed. While this might be the easy solution to the problem, it isn’t always the best.

While your specific situation will determine how your dentist chooses to treat you, it is important to first understand the importance of your natural teeth. It isn’t always possible to save a tooth, but here are a number of reasons why dentists will advise against an extraction if saving the tooth is possible.

The Importance of Your Natural Teeth

There are many reasons dentist will do whatever they can to salvage an existing tooth and only see extraction as a last resort. Here are a few of those reasons, all of which might make you think twice about requesting an extraction for your tooth pain.

  • Strength: Natural teeth tend to be stronger than fake ones. Yes technology has advanced in this area, but when it comes to strength, natural still wins.
  • Pain: Not only does a pulled tooth often result in more pain than other treatments, some experience a dry socket which can be extremely uncomfortable.
  • Shifting Teeth: Whenever a tooth is pulled a gap is left that can result in shifting of the surrounding teeth.
  • Return Visits: In order to address the gap left from a pulled tooth, you’ll need multiple follow up visits depending on if your dentist recommends a crown, implant or bridge.
  • Your Appearance: When a tooth is pulled, often so is the root that supports your jaw. This gap can cause a collapse in the surrounding bone, make people appear older than they are.
  • Confidence: A pulled tooth and the resulting gap that is there can have a major impact on your smile and self-confidence. 

While many dentists see extraction as a last resort, it is sometimes necessary. Whatever the case, it is critical that you see your dentist if you’re experiencing any regular tooth pain. They will be able to offer treatment options, but ultimately, you’ll get to have a say in how you’re treated. Just make sure to keep in mind the importance of your natural teeth, as listed above.

Additionally, there is also a small chance of side effects related to a tooth extraction. These can include bleeding, fever or chills (infection), nausea, cough, chest pain, and swelling and redness. Your dentist will be available should you experience any of these symptoms after an extraction. Ultimately, your dentist won’t recommend an extraction unless the benefits are greater than the minimal likelihood of these kinds of complications.

If you’re currently trying to understand how to treat your tooth pain, make an appointment with your dentist ASAP. Typically, pain is a sign of a larger issue and if left un-resolved and further complicate your dental health.

Is Teeth Whitening Safe? Yes, But Here’s What You Should Know

Posted on by drbalog

One of the most common aspects of dental health that we talk about with our patients is teeth whitening. While mostly a cosmetic aspect of your dental health, a brighter, healthier smile supports overall confidence and mental health for our patients.

Still, there are many options when it comes to teeth whitening. Last year we outlined the various teeth whitening options you have, but here’s a quick recap:

  • Pastes & Rinses: There are many products that can help improve the brightness of your smile. We can provide specific product recommendations at your next appointment.
  • Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Kits: Coming in the form of liquids, strips, gels and trays, there are many over-the-counter teeth whitening kits. Results vary and the length of treatment does as well.
  • Professional-Grade Kits: There are some teeth whitening products that can only be purchased directly from your dentist. Ask your dentist if they offer anything like that.
  • In-Office Treatments: Under the supervision of a professional, your dentist can do a concentrated, safe and fast-acting treatment.

Before you decided how you will approach whitening your teeth, it helps to understand the main causes of tooth discoloration. There are two primary types of discoloration: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic discoloration is a result of foods, drinks and tobacco use that can result in stained teeth. Coffees, teas and other foods with dyes can result in this kind of discoloration. 

Intrinsic discoloration can occur from within the tooth itself. We often see this kind of discoloration as a side effect of medication use, illness, infection, trauma and aging. While teeth whitening can help, it is important to consult a dentist to make sure your discoloration is not a sign of a bigger issue.

We often are asked around the side effects and overall safety of teeth whitening options. While everyone’s mouth is different, teeth whitening treatments, when used as prescribed, are mostly safe. However, there are some side effects to be on the lookout for.

The most common side effect to teeth whitening treatments is tooth sensitivity. The sensitivity may lessen over time but there may be additional types of toothpastes and fluoride gels that can help to counteract the sensitivity.

The other common side effect is irritated gums. While you might feel this initially, the irritation should dissipate over time and is usually a short-term side effect.

Overall, teeth whitening is safe, but it is important to speak with your dentist to find the best teeth whitening option for you. Everyone is different and your dentist can help you find a healthy and safe way to brighten your smile and boost your confidence. 

Make your appointment today to discover your teeth whitening treatment options and check out our in-office teeth whitening options.

Dental Injuries in Sports: When You Need Emergency Dental Care

Posted on by drbalog

Sports and other fitness related activities are some of the most common things people do that results in the need for emergency dental care. While many preventative measures might be followed, accidents can still happen, especially when participating in higher contact sports like football and hockey. 

While majority of these kinds of injuries happen to children involved in sports, the reality is that many adults participate in leagues and pick up games for a variety of sports that can lead to dental injuries. The most important thing to understand is what kinds of dental injuries, whether young or old, constitute a dental emergency.

For many, knowing the difference between an emergency and non-emergency can help you avoid costly and unnecessary trips to the emergency room. If you’re unsure, it is critical you speak to your dentist. But here is some info on common emergency situations and non-emergency injuries.

Emergency Dental Injuries

Pain, bleeding and nerve damage are the greatest indicators of an emergency situation. If you have experienced a dental injury and are experiencing any of these issues, you must contact your dentist immediately. Many dentists block time in their schedule 7-days a week to handle emergency requests or are “on-call” to handle your emergency needs.

If you’ve attempted to contact your dentist, but are unable to get ahold of them or they are not available to see you, you should immediately head to the emergency room in order to receive a professional opinion and get treated for the injury.

In some cases, even if there is no bleeding or pain, a severely cracked took will require immediate attention by a professional. Also, injuries that occur after a tooth extraction can be dangerous to the long-term health of your mouth. In almost all cases, you should consult a professional ASAP after a dental injury.

Non-Emergency Dental Injuries

Dental injuries that result in minor chips, cracks and fractures can sometimes be handled during the regular business hours of your dentist. There is no clear-cut rule for how to know if you have a emergency, which is why even if you aren’t experiencing pain, bleeding or and nerve damage, you should still consult a professional.

Some dentists even offer you the ability to reach them via text message, where you can share a picture of the injury during non-work hours and have your dentist examine the picture. In many cases, that could be enough information to allow your dentist to provide a recommendation that might save you the time and money associated with an emergency room visit.

Rule of Thumb – Speak to a Dentist

No matter the severity, any dental injury should be reviewed by a professional as soon as possible. If you’re unable to reach your dentist or they aren’t available to see you, see if there is a way to share a picture or speak with your dentist remotely. And if that isn’t an option, an emergency room visit might be required. Even if you find the injury is minor, at least at that point you can have peace of mind.