Halloween Candy Buy Back

Dr. Stewart and our team are happy to announce that we will host another year of Halloween Candy Buy Back . The week following Halloween, any time our office is open, bring your child up with his or her unopened, leftover Halloween candy. Dr. Stewart will pay $1 per pound (limit 5 lbs.) for the goodies. Your child will leave with a little spending money, and you can have peace of mind that youre doing all you can to thwart overindulgence. Also, your family can feel good about the program because all of the candy collected will be shipped, along with toothbrushes, to US Military serving overseas. Halloween Candy Buy Back supports Operation Gratitude.

Help Your Child Enjoy a Healthy Smile

With Halloween closing in, Moms and Dads thoughts may turn to the dentist as their kids thoughts turn to candy! Its no mystery; kids love sweets, and so do the germs that cause cavities. Parents usually try to be vigilant in getting kiddos to brush after meals and limit their intake of sweets. As a family dentist, Dr. James Stewart offers tips to help parents keep cavities out of childrens mouths, and start kids on a lifestyle that includes good oral habits. (more)

The number of Americans who have Alzheimers disease is 5.4 million, and climbing.

Dr. Stewart and our team observe official World Alzheimers Day, September 21 ^st . Its the perfect time to inform our patients on the link between gum disease and Alzheimers. While reserchers have suspected a link for years, scientists at NYU published a study in 2010 that shows how gum inflammation contributes to brain inflammation, neurodegeneration, and Alzheimers disease.

Age and genetics are the primary risk factors for Alzheimers, and you have no control over these. However, you do have some control over your oral health. By exercising preventive measures, such as brushing and flossing properly, and by scheduling dental checkups every six months, you will cut down a risk factor for developing not only tooth loss and gum disease, but other systemic problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimers.

At your next checkup , Dr. Stewart and our staff will examine you for periodontal disease and treat accordingly. Alzheimers disease ranks 6th in leading causes of death in the United States. If gum disease makes the difference in whether or not you develop a fatal illness, your next dental visit could save your life.

Contact Dr. James Stewart, your family dentis t in Livonia, MI, at 734-425-4400 , to schedule your checkup today.

Its that time of year again. With the kids back to school and the weather changing on us, we are now being forced to face the dreaded cold and allergy season. No matter where you are, people are sniffling, sneezing, and coughing.

Did you know that sinuses and your dental health are connected? Your sinus cavities are closely located near the roots of your maxillary, or upper, teeth. Bad oral health can contribute to sinusitis or a sinus infection. Tooth decay and infections of the gums can cause sinus discomfort and add to, and/or lead to, a sinus infection. Or vice versa, a sinus infection can negatively impact your teeth.

Sinus infections can greatly influence the sensation of the teeth. When you are congested, the sinuses cause pressure on surrounding tissues, which causes discomfort and pain in upper teeth . The pain can be felt anywhere from the incisors to the molars. Sometimes, people arent sure whether they have a toothache or sinus congestion. Sinus infections can also cause drainage, which leads to bad breath.

At dental checkups, Dr. Stewart can determine whether your toothache is from a sinus infection or dental problem.

If you are experiencing sinus pressure, or maybe a toothache, contact Dr. James Stewart, your family dentis t in Livonia, MI, at 734-425-4400, to schedule your consultation today.

The clinical name for chronic dry mouth is xerostomia. Dry mouth is a symptom, not a disorder, and it will make your mouth will feel cottony or pasty. The problem is, you arent producing enough saliva. Commonly, medications cause dry mouth, but other causes include radiation treatment, salivary gland disease, diabetes, Sjogrens syndrome, and even emotional stress. Hormone fluctuations, as occur with pregnancy or menopause, can also contribute to dry mouth.

For some people, dry mouth is simply uncomfortable. However, it can lead to other oral health problems. Saliva is an interesting and necessary bodily fluid. It controls bacteria levels, neutralizes acids, and generally cleans the mouth. When inadequate saliva is produced, you may experience increased tooth decay, oral yeast infection, a burning sensation, bad breath , and youre more prone to developing gum disease . If you wear dentures , they may feel uncomfortable without sufficient saliva to help them adhere to your gums.

You can combat xerostomia by:

• Increasing hydration (drinking water)
• Using artificial saliva (from a pharmacy)
• Reducing caffeine, alcohol, and carbonation in your diet
• Chewing sugar-free gum
• Using mouthwash without alcohol (more)

Caring for patients with dementia or Alzheimers can prove challenging. Patients often resist care oral health because they feel threatened. Caring for their oral health can be easier thanks to a group of nurses at Penn State School of Nursing. The nurses developed a plan, Managing Oral Hygiene Using Threat Reduction, to assist caregivers in providing oral hygiene to patients with Alzheimers or dementia.

The nurses created the plan to reduce threat perception among these patients. They suggest that caregivers smile while they interact with the patients, approach them at eye level, pantomime, and gently hold the patients hand while brushing teeth.

The number of patients in nursing homes who still have natural teeth is rising, due to proper oral hygiene. By using the threat reduction plan, caregivers can provide oral hygiene assistance in a more effective and friendly manner.

Several studies show a connection between periodontal disease and Alzheimers disease. With proper oral hygiene, brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, rinsing after meals, and visiting the dentist every six months for deep cleaning and checkup, the risk of periodontal disease decreases.

Dr. James Stewart , a Livonia dentist, has experience caring for elderly patients and knows the challenges commonly associated with senior dental health . If you are a caregiver for a patient with Alzheimers or dementia, contact Dr. Stewart at (734)425.4400 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Stewart cares for patients from Livonia, Farmington, Farmington Hills, and surrounding areas.

With proper oral hygiene, teeth can last a lifetime. Today, more than ever before, people are keeing their natural teeth throughout life. When it comes to care and maintenance of teeth, here are some interesting dental health facts to keep in mind:

• 50 percent of people polled state they notice a smile before any other feature .
• 80 percent of men and women feel guilty when they forget to brush their teeth. However over 75 percent of American adults have some level of gum disease.
• Three out of four people admit, they dont change their toothbrushes as often as they should. Toothbrushes should be replaced every six to eight weeks or immediately after an illness.
• While brushing your teeth, maintain a six-foot distance from the commode. Airborne particles from flushing can travel up to six feet.
• The average woman smiles approximately 62 times a day, while a man generally smiles only eight times a day.
• Children laugh 400 times a day, and adults only laugh about 15 times a day.
• Adults lose more than 164 million hours of work annually due to dental visits and oral health problems.
• 44 percent of dental expenses are paid out-of-pocket.
• The most popular color of toothbrush is blue.
• The average toothbrush contains 2,500 bristles.

To maintain teeth for a lifetime, brush twice a day, floss once a day, rinse after meals, and visit your dentist every six months for a thorough cleaning and checkup . Contact Dr. James Stewart at (734)425-4400 to schedule your semi-annual dental visit. Dr. Stewart maintains healthy teeth for residents of Livonia, Farmington, Farmington Hills, and surrounding areas.

Halitosis, or bad breath can occur after eating odorous foods, or because of poor oral hygiene, taking certain medicines, or using tobacco products. However, halitosis also can be a symptom of an underlying health issue, such as periodontal disease, diabetes, gastroesophageal reflux disease, liver or kidney disease, chronic sinusitis, or chronic bronchitis.

Through proper oral healthcare brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, rinsing after meals, and visiting the dentist every six-months for a thorough cleaning and checkup you will decrease your risk for halitosis and periodontal disease. If your bad breath continues, consult Dr. James Stewart first to determine if the halitosis is related to your mouth.

Dr. Stewart will conduct a complete medical and dental history. First, your diet, tobacco use, medications, medical conditions, and family history will be reviewed. He will then examine your mouth, take x-rays, and measure your gums for indications of periodontal disease. If Dr. Stewart determines the halitosis is not of oral origin, you should contact your physician. (more)

Mothers Day, Sunday, May 8 is set aside to show mothers our love and appreciation. Instead of purchasing a generic card, try a few of these creative ways to say thank you:

Start Moms special day off with a healthy breakfast in bed:

• Orange juice
• 12-grain toast with raspberry preserves
• Eggs
• Deli ham
• Coffee

After shes finished her excellent meal, continue the pampering by preparing a bath with salts, candles, relaxing music, and her favorite book or magazine. Be sure to give her a small basket with her favorite scented lotions.

Create a personalized Mothers Day card with a family photo and heartfelt note. Shutterfly and Tiny Prints are two websites that can help!

Touching on the creative side, purchase some colorful canvas and paint. Make a lasting memory with a collage of the familys handprints. Mom will treasure this masterpiece forever. (more)

Saliva plays an important role in maintaining good oral health. It washes away food particles, cleans teeth, and neutralizes harmful acids. Without saliva, the risk of tooth decay and gum disease increases. When your mouth doesnt produce enough saliva, you suffer from xerostomia or dry mouth.

To determine the cause of dry mouth, your dentist will review your health, habits and medication list. Certain prescription and nonprescription medications can dry out your mouth. Some mouth-drying medications are: anti-depressants, antihistamines, decongestants, diet pills, bronchodilators, and muscle relaxers.

Infections, different diseases, and medical treatments can also lead to dry mouth. People who suffer from diabetes, anemia, HIV, hypertension, and rheumatoid arthritis may exhibit signs of dry mouth, as well. Chemotherapy and radiation have also been known to damage salivary glands and cause dry mouth. (more)

Research shows that maintaining proper diet and exercise can increase your overall well-being and life expectancy. Dentists encourage their patients to eat a healthy diet, not only to prevent cavities and gum disease, but also to promote good overall health. Studies show good oral health contributes to good overall health.

While the road to better health can seem like an uphill battle, the outcome is the prize. Taking small steps towards a healthy lifestyle will allow you a better opportunity for success. Making small changes in your diet will prove more effective than denying yourself of favorite foods completely then binging on sweet and fatty treats. Apply these three diet changes to set you on the path to healthy living:

Decrease alcohol consumption: Alcohol should be consumed in moderation, both for your overall and oral health. Alcohol contains empty calories that add up quickly. It alsocontains sugar and acid, which, combined with natural bacteria in the mouth, leads to a higher risk of tooth decay. Alcohol should be limited to two glasses a day for men and one glass a day for women. (more)