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.

– 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!

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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.

The Problem
The molars have deep depressions that are uneven and bumpy, making them difficult to clean well — especially for children. These pits and fissures (grooves) in the back teeth tend to collect food and plaque that make them vulnerable to decay. Sealants essentially create a barrier that “seals out” acids, plaque and food.

How Sealants Are Applied
Sealants are easy for the dentist and easy for the patient: The tooth is cleaned and dried. Then we apply a solution that helps the sealant to stick to the tooth. The sealant is painted onto the tooth in its initial liquid form which quickly hardens to create a protective shield over that portion of the tooth.

What’s Best for Your Oral Health?
Sealants have been in use for decades now. They are safe and effective at helping to prevent cavities. Obviously, we still strongly encourage you to brush your teeth twice a day with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste, floss once every day, eat a well-balanced diet with limited snacks and sugar and visit us for your regular cleanings and checkups.

Dr. Osenieks can determine whether sealants are right for you at this time. Feel free to visit our office or to call 616-453-0002 if you have any questions about dental sealants.

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