“The health and appearance of your gums are essential elements in your smile and proper function.”

Plaque forms on teeth constantly. It is a clear film of bacteria that builds in hard-to-reach areas such as between your teeth and along the gumline.

Allowed to accumulate, plaque irritates the gums and leads to gum disease such as gingivitis. Research has linked gum disease to a range of health problems including stroke, heart disease, pneumonia, and even pregnancy complications.

Plaque is removed with regular brushing and flossing, plus professional cleanings that handle the tougher tartar. Early gum disease often goes unnoticed — by the time you feel pain or irritation, prevention may no longer be the goal. Regular checkups keep plaque and tartar from building up in the first place.

Breath with an unpleasant odor is called halitosis. Depending on the cause it can occur occasionally, or become a long-lasting problem.

Your mouth contains millions of bacteria, and the back of the tongue in particular can concentrate the bacteria responsible.

Poor dental hygiene. Without regular brushing and flossing, bacteria and plaque form in hard-to-reach places, which can eventually lead to far more serious problems.

External sources. Smoking, chewing tobacco, and drinking coffee, tea or wine are common causes of recurring bad breath — and also discolor teeth.

No two mouths are the same. X-ray imaging identifies underlying signs of bone loss or gum disease that are undetectable to the naked eye.

New patients typically have a full set taken so we can establish a picture of their oral health. Additional images may be requested at follow-up visits to compare against, determine what treatment is needed, and identify conditions that require action.

Dental radiographs are necessary for the highest standard of care, and their diagnostic benefits far outweigh the minimal risk involved. We limit radiation exposure using lead aprons and digital radiography, which reduces it substantially.

Without imaging, conditions like cavities, extra teeth and disease could go undetected. Digital X-rays combine minimal radiation, detailed images and remarkable speed — the image appears instantly on a nearby monitor, giving a convenient chairside reference throughout your visit.

Toothpastes formulated for sensitive teeth can decrease symptoms over several weeks of regular use. Symptoms often worsen with frequent consumption of highly acidic foods such as oranges, grapefruit and lemon.

If gentle brushing doesn't reduce the symptoms, a consultation can determine the right treatment for you. Products containing fluoride may also be recommended.

Call the office at (248) 765-8468 for more information or to schedule a consultation.

We proudly accept most insurances. Call our friendly staff with any questions about financial policies, and they'll help you make the most of your benefits.

Babies typically begin teething at six months. The bottom lower front teeth usually erupt first, followed by the two upper front teeth. Children have twenty teeth compared with the thirty-two adults typically have, and most children have all of them by two to three years of age.

Checkups are generally recommended at least every six months to help prevent cavities and other problems. Every child has individual needs, so the frequency varies as the situation requires.

Regular visits keep children familiar with the dentist and build confidence — far more pleasant than a child associating the dentist only with emergency treatment and tooth pain. Decay caught early is also easier and less costly to treat.

Primary teeth have three main functions. First, they allow children to chew — and pain-free feeding directly affects diet, nutrition and overall health. Second, they are important for speech development. Third, they provide the pathway for permanent teeth to erupt on schedule.

Premature tooth loss from cavities or infection lets remaining teeth drift into the empty space, ultimately causing crowding. Cavities on baby teeth can also make permanent teeth more susceptible to decay.

The earlier a cavity is diagnosed and treated, the less invasive the overall treatment. Left alone, cavities can spread and possibly lead to infection. Each situation is evaluated individually to determine what is best for the child.

Sealants are hard plastic-like materials placed into the grooves of the chewing surfaces to help prevent cavities. They block the sticky, sugary foods and liquids that get caught in the teeth. Application is fast and pain-free.

Whether they're recommended depends on the child's diet, cavity history, and the anatomy of the teeth.

For children aged 0–2, a soft cloth, gauze or toothbrush adequately removes the plaque and bacteria that cause cavities. Caregivers should clean the teeth at least once a day — most importantly before bedtime, after the last feeding.

Infant non-fluoridated toothpaste can be used. Until your child can spit toothpaste out without swallowing it, we recommend avoiding fluoridated toothpaste.

Fluoride is safe and effective at preventing cavities when given in the correct dosage. If your water supply contains less than 0.6 ppm — as private wells often do — a dietary supplement may be recommended for children from six months to sixteen years.

If your child cannot spit out toothpaste, fluoridated toothpaste should be avoided. A pea-sized amount is acceptable from two to three years of age; before that, clean the teeth with water and a soft-bristled brush. Contact a pediatric dentist to make sure your child is receiving neither excessive nor inadequate daily fluoride.

First, rinse the irritated area with warm salt water. If swelling is present, place a cold pack on the area. Over-the-counter Children's Tylenol or Ibuprofen (Motrin) are recommended for pain.

Do not place aspirin on the gums — it can harm the tissue. See a dentist or healthcare professional as soon as possible.

Oral habits such as thumb and pacifier sucking are very normal in infants and young children, and only become problems if they persist for long periods. Most children stop on their own by age three.

Habit-breaking appliances can help children who want to stop but need an active reminder. Long-term habits — thumb or finger sucking, mouth breathing, tongue thrusting — can produce dental and skeletal changes. The amount of change relates directly to the frequency, duration, intensity and direction of the forces applied.

First, remain calm. Second, locate the tooth, always holding it by the crown and never the root. Third, if possible, determine whether it is a baby tooth or a permanent tooth.

If it is a baby tooth, do not replace it in the socket. For a permanent tooth, reimplant it with mild finger pressure. If that isn't possible, put the tooth in a glass of milk and take your child and the glass immediately to the dentist.