Is your child learning to play an instrument? So much has been said about the importance of wearing an athletic mouth guard during sports, but other extra-curricularactivities can affect your childs teeth , including band and orchestra.

Problem Instruments

Instruments played by biting onto a mouthpiece can cause problems with upper teeth alignment. The clarinet, especially, has the potential to cause a strain on the front two teeth, over time positioning them forward in an overbite.

Woodwinds are not the only sources of hazard. The violin, played with the chin tucked to the end of the instrument, can cause undue stress on the jaw. The position may eventually cause complications with your childs bite.

Thankfully, dental health and musical appreciation can be achieved at the same time if several precautions are taken.

Things to Keep in Mind: (more)

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)

What kind of tooth brusher are you? Do you scrub vigorously, like youre scrubbing tile grout to make it gleaming white? Do you spend 5 or 10 minutes to really do a good job? Or do you quickly whisk across your teeth, taking less than a minute?

Chances are, no matter how much time you spend brushing your teeth youre most likely brushing too hard . Nearly 70% of the people that do brush are applying too much pressure. And the problem is much more serious than you might even realize.

There cant be too much emphasis on the detriment of brushing too hard. The two, immediately obvious problems that will occur from brushing too hard are: (more)

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)

Easter is a great time for family and friends to gather and enjoy a feast. Since Americans are becoming more conscious of their oral and overall health, we look for deserts that are good for our bodies and teeth. Enjoy this low-fat carrot cake recipe for your Easter feast.

Ingredients

Cake

• 1 20-ounce can crushed pineapple
• 2 cups whole-wheat pastry flour
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 3 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup nonfat buttermilk
• 1/2 cup canola oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups grated carrots (4-6 medium)
• 1/4 cup unsweetened flaked coconut
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted (more)

Lack of sleep worsens periodontal disease . During a study conducted in Japan, 219 factory workers were evaluated to determine the affect their lifestyles had on their oral health. Researchers examined lifestyle habits, including: exercise, alcohol consumption, tobacco use, amount of sleep, nutrition, stress, number of hours worked, and eating breakfast. The study revealed the number-one factor impacting periodontal disease was smoking. However, the number two factor was sleep.

Participants who obtained seven to eight hours of sleep a night exhibited a slower progression of periodontal disease than those who received six or fewer hours a night. Researchers concluded that a shortage of sleep can impair the bodys immune system, which can make periodontal disease progress more rapidly. (more)