Tooth decay can attack your smile at any time, even if you take all the defenses you can to prevent it. Did you know, sticky plaque bacteria can develop on your teeth and can eat away at your tooth enamel? Well, it’s true! If cavities are left untreated, the tooth decay will work through your teeth causing you a host of problems.

Usually, there is no sign or indication of increasing pain or sensitivity until the decay grows so broad or deep, it goes in the nerves of the tooth. Tooth decay can also spread very fast putting other teeth at risk as well. If you catch a cavity early, then your dentist may be able to restore your teeth quickly. If not, there are other options such as dental fillings or dental crowns to repair the damage. The central thing to remember about tooth decay is to correct it as soon as possible, so you can avoid long-term problems in your future.

As you can see, cavities can do more damage to your smile than most people expect. If you need help fighting your cavities, then call us today at 616-453-0002. Let our MI Roots Family Dental team help fight your battle against tooth decay for you.

The post The Harmful Power of Tooth Decay first appeared on MI Roots Family Dental.

One of the biggest risks of a teen’s life is due to peer pressure. Peer pressure is frequently the downfall of many amazing smiles, not because people make the wrong decisions, but rather because they find themselves making choices simply to appeal to others, which often comes back to haunt them. If you are not careful, peer pressure can make you take unnecessary risks with both your life and your smile.

One of the biggest oral health risks caused by peer pressure is due to bad habits. Numerous habits such as smoking and chewing tobacco, or using drugs, are destined to destroy your mouth, with no real reward for doing them. Forgo peer pressure risks if they seek to put your teeth and gums at risk, as a damaged smile is not an effective way to kick off adulthood.

If you would like to speak with Dr. Joseph Szymczak and our team about teenage dentistry from a dentist in Grand Rapids, Michigan, please schedule an appointment at our dentist office of MI Roots Family Dental, by calling 616-453-0002. Let us help you find your healthy smile!

The post Oral Health Essentials: Teenage Dentistry first appeared on MI Roots Family Dental.

– A number of diseases and illnesses cause bad breath, including respiratory tract infections and liver and kidney problems.
– One of the easiest and quickest ways to eradicate most common types of bad breath is by using mouthwash.
– Plaque buildup that sticks around in your mouth can cause bad breath.
– Bad breath can be produced by poor oral hygiene habits such as the forgetting to floss and brush daily.
– Medications that contain dry mouth symptoms can cause bad breath.
– If you have an underlying disease such as periodontal disease, also called gum disease, it may be creating your bad breath.

If you would like to experience the life-changing transformation that our oral health treatments can provide, please stop by MI Roots Family Dental for an oral exam from Dr. Joseph Szymczak and our team at our amazing dentist facility in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Schedule your visit by calling us at 616-453-0002. Thanks for stopping by, and have a wonderful day!

The post Bad Breath Could Be the Sign of an Oral Infection first appeared on MI Roots Family Dental.

Headaches

Morning headaches are often caused by nighttime teeth grinding. Also known as bruxism, this is where you grind your teeth while you sleep, which can wear down tooth enamel if left unchecked. You may need a night guard (a mouth guard worn at night) to protect your teeth against erosion or cracks (as well as headaches).

Gum Inflammation

Chronic inflammation and infection of the gums and the surrounding tissue is a sign of gum disease, or gingivitis. Swollen or inflamed gums are the early signs of gum disease. Left untreated, it is the major cause of tooth loss in adults.

Tooth Sensitivity (Hot vs. Cold)

If your teeth hurt whenever you eat or drink something hot or cold, you may have a cavity, or even gum recession, which allows the sensitive layer of dentin under the enamel to be exposed.

White Spots

White spots on your tooth enamel are actually early signs of dental decay. You may have a cavity even if you don’t feel pain or show any symptoms.

Toothache

Tooth pain that doesn’t go away indicates that you may have a cavity. This is a hole in the tooth that may reach the tooth pulp, where the nerves may be exposed, causing pain.

Canker Sores

Ulcers in the mouth, or canker sores, have a variety of triggers ranging from emotional stress, allergic reactions, or injury, and typically go away on their own. If they persist or are unusually large, this may indicate something more serious.

Tartar

Tartar is the hard, white-looking mineralization that occurs at the gum line, where the teeth meet the gums. Tartar is hardened bacterial plaque which requires removal by a dental professional using scaling tools.

Halitosis

Prolonged bad breath, or a “metallic” taste in the mouth is caused by bacteria in the mouth and can be an indication of gingivitis, the early stages of gum disease.

If you are experiencing any of these signs, don’t brush them off! Prevention is key, but early intervention is also important. If you would like to schedule a visit with our dentist to help restore your healthy smile, please call the team of Dr. MI Roots Family Dental in Grand Rapids, Michigan at 616-453-0002 today.

The post See Your Dentist If You Experience These Signs first appeared on MI Roots Family Dental.

Did you know that when you brush you only clean approximately 25% of your mouth? This is one of the reasons mouthwash is so useful. Aside from fighting bad breath, mouthwash can reach different areas of your mouth, and provide a variety of benefits.

For example, some mouthwashes contain alcohol that that kills bacteria faster and more thoroughly than some mouthwashes, though it can cause a burning sensation. Other mouthwashes have fluoride to fight against cavities, and some are designed specifically for children.

Similarly, a tongue scraper is mostly useful for removing bacteria that can cause bad breath. While some people may clean their tongue with a toothbrush, many others find it uncomfortable. Tongue scrapers also come in different sizes because wide tongue scrapers may trigger gag reflex.

But please remember, if you have chronic bad breath, you may be dealing with gum disease and you may need help from a dentist.

Would you like to learn more about what you can do to care for your smile? Are you interested in learning more about how you can hold off gum disease? Would you like to schedule an appointment with our team? If so, please feel free to contact us today. We are excited to hear from you.

The post Mouthwash, Tongue Scrapers, and Your Smile first appeared on MI Roots Family Dental.

Tooth sensitivity is a painful, inconvenient, and bothersome condition that is very common nowadays. It generally occurs when the gums pull back from your teeth, expose your roots, and allow easy access to the tooth nerves. Other things that cause tooth sensitivity include:

• Worn teeth
• Tooth decay
• Gum disease
• Teeth-whitening products
• Plaque buildup
• Teeth-grinding habits
• Age
• Acidic foods
• Dental work
• Long-term mouthwash use

Luckily, with the modern dental technology available in the world today, all of these problems are treatable. Some treatments include:

At home

• Brushing and flossing regularly
• Using a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Using desensitizing toothpaste
• Watching what you eat
• Using fluoridated dental products
• Refraining from grinding your teeth
• Visiting your dentist every six months for a cleaning

Professional treatments

• Dental bonding
• Fluoride treatments
• Dental sealants
• Root canal treatment
• Dental inlays
• Surgical gum grafting
• Gum disease treatments

With these treatments and the help of your dentist, you will have the smile you are looking for. So, to take that first step toward improving your oral health, call our office today and schedule an appointment with our caring dentist! We look forward to helping you find the comfort you deserve.

The post What You Can Do About Your Sensitive Teeth first appeared on MI Roots Family Dental.