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.

If you have suffered an oral emergency that has resulted in catastrophic damage to your jaw, do not panic. If a tooth has been knocked out, there may be a chance it can still be saved. Immediately find the tooth and place it in a tooth-saving liquid such as Save-A-Tooth or milk. Once stored in a liquid, take the tooth to your dentist where he may be able to reinsert it once again back into your mouth. If the tooth dries out, you won’t have very much success with it being reinserted.

If you have suffered from a tooth that was knocked loose, make sure to clean the area around the tooth if bleeding is present. Apply gauze pads to stop the bleeding. Rinse out the area of any debris to prevent the rise of infections.

If you notice signs of damage to your smile, fortunately, it can be treated. MI Roots Family Dental remains committed to your oral health. You are welcome to book an appointment with us by calling 616-453-0002. Stop by our dentist office in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Dr. Joseph Szymczak and our team will give you the treatment you need. Don’t delay, now is the best time to upgrade your smile.

The post Smile Basics: Oral Emergencies first appeared on MI Roots Family Dental.

Still, root canal therapy has earned a bad reputation. For example, have you ever heard that you should avoid root canal therapy at all cost? While you should care for your smile to avoid the need for root canal therapy, you shouldn’t avoid the treatment if you do need it. If you have a damaged root canal which can only be addressed by root canal therapy, your tooth may ultimately die and need to be extracted.

Still, do you know how you can recognize a damaged root canal? There are actually several symptoms you can watch for, including pain and discomfort, pain when you chew, sudden sensitivity to temperature, and an unusual taste in your mouth. However, you also might have a damaged root canal without experiencing any of these symptoms. This is another reason we recommend scheduling regular appointments with us, as we can detect problems and in this case, save your tooth!  

If you’d like to learn more about the care you can receive from us, please don’t hesitate to give the office of MI Roots Family Dental a call at 616-453-0002. We look forward to answering your questions, and helping you with all of your smile care needs!

The post Debunking Myths About Root Canal Therapy first appeared on MI Roots Family Dental.

Wear is often caused by teeth grinding or clenching. In fact, this can cause small cracks in your enamel, making your smile more prone to tooth decay. Grinding can also lead to headaches, damage to your jaw, and other pains. Typically, this problem is worse in people who grind hard or who grind often. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do if you suffer from these problems. One option is finding a way to relieve stress or to avoid stressful situations. However, if these don’t work, your dentist can give you’re a mouth guard or a splint, which can stop grinding and clenching.

A second reason for wear is acid, which erodes enamel. As strong as your teeth may be, acid will erode your enamel and consequently weaken them. This problem is especially common in individuals who enjoy many carbonated drink, fruit juices, or alcohol. Similarly, individuals with some health problems (such as acid reflux) can bring acid in your stomach to your mouth. Women who are pregnant also tend to have issues with acid on their teeth. To counteract this problem, we recommend cutting down on acidic drinks. Using mouthwash after finishing your beverages can also help. If you are pregnant, we recommend going to your dentist for a checkup.

Finally, you may wear down your tooth through abrasion. This is typically caused by brushing your teeth incorrectly. If you brush too hard, you may damage your enamel. When you brush, please use gentle, circular motions. If you are concerned about this type of wear, we recommend using a toothbrush with soft or medium bristles or finding non-abrasive toothpaste.

If you are interested in learning more, please feel free to contact us soon. We are excited to hear from you soon.

The post How to Protect Your Teeth from Wear first appeared on MI Roots Family Dental.

Amalgam

This kind of filling is the most common type used. Silver in color, it consists of metals such as tin, silver, copper, and mercury. Amalgam is the least expensive filling and very durable. Additionally, it is easier to place and hardens quickly.

Gold

Made of gold, copper, and other materials, this is the most durable filling available. Also known as an inlay or onlay, a gold filling can last for 20 years if not longer. However, it is the most expensive filling and may take longer to make.

Composite Resin

This filling is the best for cosmetic purposes. Made of glass, quartz, and other materials, it blends in with natural tooth colors. Though this type is becoming more popular, it is less durable than amalgam filling and more expensive. This type is also only used to fill small to medium sized cavities.

The post Get Your Fill On Fillings first appeared on MI Roots Family Dental.