Your Best Smile Dentistry Blog for Michigan

Run your tongue along the gumline behind your lower front teeth. Do you feel a ridge? This is probably tartar or dental calculus.

Even if you brush and floss regularly, plaque and tartar can gradually accumulate. If not removed, these bacteria-breeding substances cause the gums to become irritated and swollen. Eventually, the gums become detached from the tooth, creating a ‘pocket’. This creates a new space for plaque and tartar to grow. In advanced stages of periodontal disease, the toxins created by the bacteria literally rot the gum, teeth and bone.

At Szalai & Szalai DDS in Allen Park, we perform the most thorough dental cleanings possible. Gum disease can be reversed in its early stages.

Our goal is to help our Detroit dental patients prevent gum disease before any damage occurs. Cleanings include root planing and periodontal scaling. Scaling removes the plaque and calculus above and, especially, below the gumline where your toothbrush cannot reach. Planing smoothes root surfaces so it is more difficult for plaque and tartar to accumulate and grow. It also creates a healthy surface for the gums to reattach to the root if necessary.

To schedule a deep cleaning, call 313-928-2323. We are located at 5329 Allen Road, in Allen Park, MI. In addition to providing comprehensive dental cleanings, we create mega-watt smiles for cosmetic dentistry clients in the Dearborn and Taylor area. See http://www.AllenParkDentists.com/ for more information about our state-of-the-art dental practice.

Something many consume everyday and once considered to be healthy and of no harm is now believed to be the culprit for the rise of tooth decay found in both adults and children. Tooth decay and cavity rates, for the first time in decades, are up and on the rise. Patients who at one point in time were not thought to be cavity-prone, interestingly are now appearing in their dentists’ chair with tooth decay that is affecting their crowns and fillings. It is also surprising that tooth decay is being discovered on teeth that were otherwise thought to be healthy. In the past this was thought to be pretty rare.

Can you guess the cause? It is something you probably wouldn’t even consider because you may have come to think of it as harmless as breathing fresh air.

The culprit, believe it or not, is bottled water. While you may already know that sports drinks and soft drinks loaded with sugar can lead to a dental nightmare, you may not realize that bottled water is just like tap water in that it does not contain fluoride.

So why should you care? According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), many children and adults are consuming more and more bottled water as part of their regular diets and the concern is that many are not consuming enough fluoride. Did you know, according to the International Bottled Water Association, that the amount of bottled water consumed has recently more than doubled? On average, Americans are now drinking thirty gallons of bottled water each year. Many are fooled into believing that bottled water is healthier and they are making it a main stay in their daily diets for family including their children. What is even more concerning is the fact that some parents are using bottled water to prepare their baby’s formula.

What can you do about this? Allen Park Dentists Drs. Greg and Joanne Szalai suggest that you make a few simple changes to your daily habits and try to drink tap water as often as you can instead of bottled water. You will improve your overall oral health, you’ll save money and your teeth will love you for it. This suggestion is not a replacement for basic oral hygiene but should be done in addition to your normal care, which includes brushing regularly with toothpaste that contains fluoride and finishing off with flossing.

If you are not sure that you are getting the proper level of fluoride, perhaps due to the fact that your water source does not contain fluoride (for example well water), Allen Park Dentists Drs. Greg and Joanne Szalai invite you to come in for a visit. We have several recommendations such as special rinses or prescription fluoride treatments that can help you get the level of fluoride you need to prevent cavities.

Ready to discuss your dental care with a caring and highly skilled dental team? Allen Park Dentists Drs. Joanne or Greg Szalai, or one of their fantastic hygienists (Ann, Jennifer and CJ) will gladly answer your questions.

Please call our Allen Park office at 313-928-2323 to schedule an appointment for exceptional dental care. Your comments are important to us so don’t hesitate to share your comments or suggestions on our Facebook Fan Page or via Twitter.

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A brilliant smile leaves a lasting impression. Professional whitening of teeth can dramatically improve your overall appearance and give you a boost in self-confidence.

Our teeth often turn yellow or gray as we age. The things we eat and drink continually such as colored sodas, coffee and red wine contribute to the staining. Most of us are aware that smoking is not only bad for your lungs; it is an enemy to beautiful teeth. If you are considering having your teeth whitened, you must first decide which method to use. At Szalai & Szalai DDS, we enjoy discussing treatment options with our clients. To schedule a consultation to talk about teeth whitening or any other dental procedure, call 313-928-2323.

At-home whitening treatments usually consist of trays filled with whitening solution. It takes 7-14 days to achieve 3-6 shades lighter. Brush-on teeth gels and whitening strips take up to 30 days to achieve barely noticeable results. Whitening toothpaste may lighten superficial stains but often provides no change in appearance of teeth.

Professional teeth whitening procedures performed by a dental professional achieve dramatic results that last far longer than other treatments.

All of the whitening methods may cause tooth pain or sensitivity, but this usually goes away in a few days. If you have crowns, porcelain veneers or bonding, it is important to talk to your dentist before choosing a whitening method.

• Drs. Greg & Joanne Szalai, DDS
• http://www.AllenParkDentists.com/

We do smile makeovers!

Do you suspect that you have bad breath? We are Drs. Greg & Joanne Szalai of Szalai & Szalai DDS, a full-service dental office in Allen Park, Michigan. We help our dental patients diagnose and overcome this unpleasant and potentially embarrassing condition.

Halitosis is caused by the bacteria that live on and around your teeth, gums and tongue. Breath mints and mouthwashes do not cure bad breath, they only mask the symptoms. Proper oral hygiene can cure many cases of bad breath. However, in some cases, bad breath is caused by more serious conditions. Sinus and tonsil infections, acid reflux, ulcers, diabetes, hypoglycemia, kidney malfunction, and eating disorders are just some of the health issues that can cause bad breath.

If you have bad breath, the first thing to do is make sure you are cleaning your teeth, gums and tongue thoroughly. This does not mean you should brush as long and forcefully as possible. Brushing too vigorously can harm gums and contribute to gum recession. At Szalai & Szalai DDS, we help patients of all ages learn safe and effective brushing, flossing and tongue cleaning methods.

And don’t forget regular professional cleanings. Our friendly dental hygienist is trained in the latest and most effective deep-cleaning procedures. Your teeth feel so good after being cleaned professionally!

To make an appointment for an exam, cleaning or consultation, call 313-928-2323. Your teeth are too important to neglect.