Toggle navigation
Kevin S. Bone, D.D.S.
4170 State St Saginaw, MI 48603-4025989-792-7461
  • blog
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • iKarma

Request an Appointment

  • Home
  • Staff
  • Office
  • Services
  • New Patients
  • Contact Us
  • Appointment Request
  • Patient Education

MY BLOG

Posts for tag: tooth decay

How to Keep the Cavity Monster Away this Halloween

By Kevin S. Bone, D.D.S.
October 04, 2018
Category: Oral Health
Tags: tooth decay  
HowtoKeeptheCavityMonsterAwaythisHalloween

Watching your kids dress up in cute, spooky costumes and go out trick-or-treating can be a real thrill. But thinking about the dental damage caused by eating all those sweets might just give you the chills. So is it best to act like a witch and take away all the candy from those adorable little ghosts and goblins?

Relax! According to experts like the American Dental Association, it’s OK to let kids enjoy some sweet treats on special occasions like Halloween—especially if they have been taking good care of their oral hygiene all year long, by brushing twice each day and flossing once every day. But to help keep cavities away from those young smiles, there are some things parents (and everyone else) should understand.

Cavities—small holes in the tooth’s outer surface that result from the decay process—get started when bacteria in the mouth feed on sugar and produce acids. The acids eat away at the hard enamel coating of teeth. If left untreated, decay will eventually reach the soft inner core of the tooth, causing even more serious damage.

There are several ways to stop the process of tooth decay. One is to take away the sugar that decay bacteria feed on. Because this ingredient is common in so many foods, it’s hard to completely eliminate sugar from the diet. Instead, it may be more practical to limit the consumption of sweets. For example, if kids are only allowed to eat sugary treats around mealtimes, it gives the mouth plenty of “downtime,” in which healthful saliva can neutralize the bacterial acids. It also helps to avoid sweets that stick to teeth (like taffy or gummy bears) and those that stay in the mouth for a long time (like hard candy).

Another way to help stop tooth decay is by maintaining top-notch oral hygiene. Decay bacteria thrive in the sticky film called plaque that clings stubbornly to the surfaces of teeth. Plaque can be removed by—you guessed it—effective brushing and flossing techniques. While it’s a good start, brushing alone won’t remove plaque from the spaces between teeth and under the gums: That’s why flossing is an essential part of the daily oral hygiene routine. Helping your kids develop good oral hygiene habits is among the best things you can do to fight cavities.

And speaking of habits, there are a few others that can help—or hurt—your oral health.  For example, drinking plenty of water keeps the body hydrated and benefits oral health; but regularly drinking soda and other sweetened or acidic beverages greatly increases the risk of tooth decay. And seeing your dentist on a regular basis for professional cleanings and routine checkups is one of the most beneficial habits of all. Working together, we can help keep tooth decay from turning into a scary situation for kids—and adults too.

If you have questions about cavity prevention or oral hygiene, please contact our office or schedule a consultation. You can learn more in the Dear Doctor magazine articles “How to Help Your Child Develop the Best Habits for Oral Health” and “Tooth Decay—How to Assess Your Risk.”

0 Comment(s) Permalink

Caps, Gowns and Smiles for High School Graduation

By Kevin S. Bone, D.D.S.
June 11, 2018
Category: Oral Health
Tags: tooth decay   oral hygiene  
CapsGownsandSmilesforHighSchoolGraduation

High school graduation marks the end of childhood and the beginning of young adulthood. Do you have a graduate in your family? If so, this is the ideal time to schedule a dental checkup and cleaning. Many graduates will be moving away to attend college, and an oral exam and cleaning now can help ensure that they will embark on this next phase of life in good oral health.

Is your graduate ready for the barrage of camera snaps? Long after graduation day, pictures of your graduate beaming in cap and gown will be on display. A professional teeth cleaning may be just what is needed for a camera-ready smile. The dental hygienist will use an electronic polishing tool to remove many stains from the teeth for a sparkling smile.

What’s more, the dental hygienist uses special tools to get rid of plaque and tartar that can cause bad breath, a common concern among teens and young adults. Bad breath is primarily caused by poor oral hygiene habits, and the hygienist can check to see if your teen’s oral hygiene routine has been too lax—and offer pointers if needed. It’s never too late to form better brushing and flossing habits, especially if your graduate will soon be living away from home!

A dental exam will reveal tooth decay or gum disease, problems that will only get worse if not taken care of. Another reason why dental exams are important at this time is that wisdom teeth—or third molars—generally appear between ages 17–21. Although these teeth sometimes come in without any problem, many wisdom teeth become impacted and must be removed, so it’s important to monitor them during regular dental checkups.

Take time to schedule a dental exam and cleaning so your graduate can march into a bright future armed with a big smile and the best oral health.

If you have questions about teen oral health concerns, please contact our office or schedule a consultation. You can learn more in the Dear Doctor magazine articles “Wisdom Teeth” and “How to Help Your Child Develop the Best Habits for Oral Health.”

0 Comment(s) Permalink

Tooth Decay can be Less of a Problem with Minimally Invasive Dentistry

By Kevin S. Bone, D.D.S.
November 08, 2017
Category: Oral Health
Tags: tooth decay  
ToothDecaycanbeLessofaProblemwithMinimallyInvasiveDentistry

“Less is more” is a truism for much of life. It’s also an important feature of an emerging approach to treating tooth decay known as minimally invasive dentistry (MID).

MID updates another revolution in dental care that occurred in the early 1900s. Treating decay took a quantum leap thanks to techniques developed by Dr. G. V. Black, considered the father of modern dentistry. Dr. Black’s approach (known as “extension for prevention”) involved not only removing decayed tooth structure, but also adjacent areas deemed vulnerable to decay, which made them easier to clean. On the downside, though, it also created larger than normal fillings.

As the practice prevailed through much of the Twentieth Century another weakness became apparent—the approach could not guarantee a treated tooth would not experience decay again. This became the real impetus toward MID—to find more comprehensive ways to treat decay with as little impact on the tooth structure as possible.

These efforts received a real boost from emerging technology. This was especially true in diagnostics with the rise of new devices like intraoral cameras and techniques like laser fluorescence that can enable dentists to detect decay much earlier. It’s now possible to catch the disease at an earlier stage before substantial damage to the tooth occurs.

MID has also led to new treatments that preserve more of the tooth structure. Traditional drilling is increasingly giving way to air abrasion, the use of a fine particle stream of aluminum oxide, glass beads or baking soda directed precisely at decayed structure and minimizing damage to healthy structure. We’re also using new filling materials like composite resin for restorations after treatment that are strong yet still life-like and attractive.

We also can’t forget the role of the twin daily hygiene practices brushing and flossing to remove bacterial plaque, the main source of dental disease. And regular dental cleanings and checkups round out the MID approach, helping to ensure that decay doesn’t get too far. The end result of this revolutionary approach: your teeth can experience less impact from treatment and remain healthier and more attractive in the long-run.

If you would like more information on minimally invasive dental care, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Minimally Invasive Dentistry: When Less Care is more.”

0 Comment(s) Permalink

Minimally Invasive Dentistry: A New Approach to Preventing and Treating Decay

By Kevin S. Bone, D.D.S.
August 16, 2016
Category: Oral Health
Tags: tooth decay  
MinimallyInvasiveDentistryANewApproachtoPreventingandTreatingDecay

Since the late 19th Century, dentists have used established protocols to successfully prevent and treat tooth decay. But there've been changes to this approach the last few years to improve its effectiveness, changes we now refer to as Minimally Invasive Dentistry or MID.

The older approach for treating dental caries (tooth decay) follows the protocols established by Dr. G.V. Black, considered the father of modern dentistry. Black advocated removing not only decayed structure but also some of the healthier but vulnerable portions of a tooth, to avoid further decay and make the tooth easier to clean. This resulted in larger fillings, although they've become smaller as dental techniques have advanced.

MID, on the other hand, aims to remove as little tooth structure as possible while still effectively treating and preventing future decay. To achieve that goal we begin first with a complete assessment of a patient's individual decay risk, known as Caries Management By Risk Assessment (CAMBRA).

With CAMBRA, we're looking at other factors besides individual tooth health: a patient's hygiene, lifestyle and dietary habits; the types and amount of bacteria present; and the quality of saliva flow, needed to neutralize mouth acid. With these the results we develop a customized prevention and treatment strategy.

MID also focuses on detecting dental caries as early as possible. Besides traditional x-rays, we're beginning to use other methods like dental microscopes, laser fluorescence, infrared photography or optical scanning. Early detection leads to early intervention, and with techniques that are much less invasive than the traditional approach.

The new approach also changes how we repair decayed teeth. We're increasingly using air abrasion, a technology that uses fine particles in a pressurized air stream to remove softer decayed tooth material and less healthy structure than the traditional dental drill. We're also using composite resin and other advanced materials for filings: these tooth-colored materials are stronger than previous versions and are quickly taking the place of metal amalgam, requiring less structural removal to accommodate them.

MID's core principles are early disease detection, proactive prevention and treatment with less structural removal. With this enhanced approach to effective dentistry, we're keeping your teeth healthy with minimal discomfort, lower costs and less long-term impact.

If you would like more information on the benefits of the MID approach, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation.

0 Comment(s) Permalink

4 Reasons Saving Your Child's Decayed Baby Tooth is a Good Idea

By Kevin S. Bone, D.D.S.
June 11, 2016
Category: Dental Procedures
Tags: tooth decay   pediatric dentistry  
4ReasonsSavingYourChildsDecayedBabyToothisaGoodIdea

Despite everyone’s best efforts, one of your child’s primary (“baby”) teeth has become decayed to the point it might be lost prematurely. Saving it would require extensive treatment like capping it with a crown or performing a pulpotomy, similar to a root canal treatment.

You may be thinking: since it’s going to come out eventually, why go to the expense of trying to preserve it longer? Actually, there are good reasons to save a baby tooth depending on your child’s age — for now and for the future. Here are 4 of them.

They’re important for nutrition. Baby teeth are quite similar to permanent teeth — not only do they look like them, they perform like them too, enabling a growing child to chew and digest food needed to boost their development. Even the loss of one tooth for an extended period makes effective chewing harder.

They’re important for speech development. With their first words, children develop speech patterns rather quickly. Their baby teeth play an important role in this: just like permanent teeth, they provide the tongue with points of contact for making a variety of sounds. A missing tooth for a prolonged period could interfere with making certain sounds and could have a stunting effect on their speech development.

They’re important for permanent teeth eruption. Baby teeth also serve as placeholders for their successors, the permanent teeth that are in development just under the gums. A baby tooth normally remains until the permanent tooth is ready to erupt within the path set by the primary. If they’re lost prematurely, the permanent tooth may not erupt as it should; and adjacent permanent teeth can drift toward the empty space and out of alignment.

They’re part of their smile. Baby teeth help children fit in socially with adults and other children — they help them look normal. A missing tooth stands out when they smile — and not in a good way. This could impact the way they interact socially with others, extending even into adulthood.

If you would like more information on dental care for your child, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Importance of Baby Teeth.”

0 Comment(s) Permalink


Older Posts tooth decay (26)
Subscribe to our RSS Feed

Archive:

  • 2019
      • February (4)
        • Encourage Your Child to Stop Thumb Sucking by Age 4
        • Stop Gum Disease Before it Harms Your Health
        • Composite Resin Could Amp up Your Teeth's Attractiveness in Just One Visit
        • Stay Hydrated in Winter for Better Year-Round Oral Hygiene
      • January (6)
        • Recessed Gums Could Endanger Your Teeth
        • Crown Lengthening Might be Necessary for Seniors with Tooth Decay
        • A New Veneer with Minimal or No Tooth Alteration
        • Topical Fluoride is a Safe Way to Protect Your Child's Teeth from Decay
        • 3 Things You Might Notice with Your Child's Teeth That Need a Dentist
        • Encourage Your Child to Stop Thumb Sucking Around Age 3
  • 2018
      • December (6)
        • Practice Daily Oral Hygiene to Prevent Calcified Plaque Formation
        • What You Need to Know to Buy the Right Toothbrush
        • Protecting Primary Teeth from Decay Helps Ensure Future Dental Health
        • Gum Surgery Can Improve Your Smile and Save Your Teeth
        • New Year, New Smile
        • Moderate Your Child's Juice Drinking to Lower Tooth Decay Risk
      • November (6)
        • Take Steps to Save an Incoming Tooth's Place to Avoid a Poor Bite
        • Don't Delay Treatment of Gum Disease
        • Inflammation: the Link Between Gum Disease and Cardiovascular Disease
        • Diabetes and Oral Health: True or False?
        • Don't Let GERD Ruin Your Teeth's Health
        • Exposing and Preserving Impacted Canine Teeth
      • October (6)
        • Find out What Kind of Tooth Staining you Have Before Seeking a Solution
        • Bad Breath in Children
        • Is There a Link Between Gum Disease and Cardiovascular Health?
        • Stay Ahead of Plaque Buildup with Effective Brushing and Flossing
        • 3 Surprising Sugar Sources Your Baby Might be Consuming
        • How to Keep the Cavity Monster Away this Halloween
      • September (6)
        • Lasers are Making an Impact in Treating Gum Disease
        • Conscious Sedation can Help Ease Your Child's Dental Visit Anxiety
        • Why Smoking and Dental Implants Don't Mix
        • A Low Sugar, High Fiber Diet will Help Keep Your Teeth and Gums Healthy
        • Treating Gum Disease around Tooth Roots is Hard - but Not Impossible
        • Keep Up Good Dental Habits in College to Protect Your Teeth and Gums
      • August (6)
        • Chewing Tobacco is Just as Addictive and Dangerous as Smoking
        • 3 Tips to Making Mealtime Easier During TMD Flare-Ups
        • Advances in Dental Health that may be Waiting for us Just around the Corner
        • 3 Ways to Take the Jitters Out of Dental Visits
        • Back to School Do's and Don'ts
        • When Summertime Sports Lead to Dental Dilemmas
      • July (7)
        • Support Your Child's Dental Development with Preventive Care
        • Stop Gum Disease Before it Becomes a Major Health Issue
        • Ready for Summer Camp? Be Sure to Pack a Toothbrush
        • Your Dental Care Efforts are Just as Important as Your Dentist's
        • 'Tooth in One Day' Procedures Require Special Attention for Success
        • Diabetes Doesn't Have to Stop You From Acquiring Dental Implants
        • 3 Dental Signs of an Eating Disorder
      • June (6)
        • Inform Your Dentist if You're Taking Blood Thinners
        • Bone Grafting Might be Necessary Before You Obtain an Implant
        • No- or Minimal-Prep Veneers Reduce Permanent Alterations to Your Teeth
        • Caps, Gowns and Smiles for High School Graduation
        • 3 Reasons for Blood Pressure Checks During Dental Visits
        • Increase Bone Mass for Dental Implants through Grafting
      • May (4)
        • Chronic Jaw Pain Could be Related to Other Inflammatory Conditions
        • Antibiotics Could Help Ensure your Implant Surgery is Successful
        • New Materials Add Strength to Veneers' Beautiful Life-Likeness
        • Stop Teeth Grinding Now Before it Creates Dental Problems Later
      • April (2)
        • Learn How To Protect Your Teeth During Stress Awareness Month
        • 3 Factors to Consider When Buying a Toothbrush
      • March (5)
        • Watch for These Developing Bite Problems with Your Child's Teeth
        • Food for Thought - What to Eat for Optimum Oral Health
        • It's Spring Cleaning Time...for Your Teeth!
        • You may need a Periodontist to Fully Treat Your Gum Disease
        • Bone Loss: the Hidden Consequence of Your Missing Teeth
      • February (3)
        • A "No-Prep" Veneer Could Eliminate the Need to Remove Tooth Enamel
        • Prompt Treatment for Gum Disease Could Ultimately Save Your Teeth
        • Why it's Worth the Effort to Save a Problem Baby Tooth
      • January (5)
        • Winter Tooth Tips
        • Attention to Detail Crucial to a Beautiful Smile Supported by Dental Implants
        • 3 Reasons for Why It's a Smart Move to Invest in Dental Implants
        • This Young Woman's Cancer Experience a Teachable Moment for all of us
        • The Health of Your Mouth Could Affect the Rest of Your Body
  • 2017
      • December (5)
        • Your Veneers Have 'Staying Power' - if Cared for Properly
        • Keep an Eye on Your Young Children's Fluoride Intake
        • Treating Gum Disease may Require Invasive Procedures
        • What You can do to Ease that Burning Sensation in Your Mouth
        • A Topical Fluoride Treatment Could Protect Your Child from Tooth Decay
      • November (3)
        • Looking Good for the Holidays
        • Here is How You can Improve Your Wedding Day Smile!
        • Tooth Decay can be Less of a Problem with Minimally Invasive Dentistry
      • October (5)
        • 4 Tips to Help you Quit the Smoking Habit
        • Know What to Expect During Your Child's 'Baby' Teeth Phase
        • 3 Questions to Answer Before Your Smile Makeover
        • Best Dietary Practices for Healthy Teeth and Gums
        • Know Your Toothpaste: How to Simplify Your Purchasing Decision
      • September (5)
        • 4 Causes for Gum Recession and What We Can Do About It
        • A Teen with a Missing Tooth May Need to Wait on a Dental Implant
        • Waiting to Afford Implants? Consider a Flexible RPD in the Meantime
        • 4 Situations Where a Crown Could Improve an Existing Tooth
        • A 4-Step Process for Achieving Your Highest Oral Health Possible
      • August (4)
        • Be Sure to Have a Dental Exam Before Whitening Your Teeth
        • 5 Things you can do to Improve Your Child's Future Dental Health
        • 4 Reasons Why a Home Whitening Kit Might not be Right for You
        • You Don't have to Suffer from Irritating Canker Sores
      • July (4)
        • A Pediatric Dentist Could be a Great Choice for Your Child's Dental Care
        • Overcoming Gum Recession will Restore Dental Health and your Smile
        • Dental Care is Difficult but not Impossible for a Special Needs Child
        • Avoid These 4 Health Problems with One Simple Denture Practice
      • June (4)
        • Professional Whitening Offers an Effective Way to Restore Your Smile's Luster
        • Gum Infection Around Tooth Roots Calls for Immediate Action
        • Loose Adult Teeth Require Immediate Attention and Treatment
        • Screw or Cement: Which is Best for Attaching Your Implant Crown?
      • May (5)
        • Don't Wait - Seek Out Treatment for Gum Recession Now
        • Keep the Space between an Implant-Supported Bridge and the Gums Clean
        • New Saliva Test may Help Identify Oral Cancer Earlier
        • Children with Chronic Health Conditions may Need Extra Dental Care
        • If at All Possible, Primary Teeth are Worth Saving
      • April (5)
        • Be Alert to the Unintended Consequences of Cancer Treatment to Oral Health
        • Get a Dental Exam as Soon as Possible if you Suspect Gum Disease
        • The Top 3 Oral Problems in America - and What You Should Do About Them
        • Gum Disease Could Affect More than Your Teeth and Gums
        • Is Laser Treatment a Good Option for Controlling Gum Disease?
      • March (3)
        • Practice Proactive Prevention to Enhance Your Child's Dental Development
        • Safety is a Priority When Imaging Children's Teeth with X-Rays
        • Be Sure to have These 3 Essentials Covered Beforehand for Veneer Success
      • February (5)
        • Take These Actions to Make Your Child More Comfortable During Teething
        • New Crowns Give Both Durability and Beauty to Problem Teeth
        • Replacing a Tooth or Saving it - Which Should you do?
        • That Painful, Irritating Feeling Could be Burning Mouth Syndrome
        • What's Causing Your Throbbing Toothache?
      • January (5)
        • Non-Prescription Pain Medication can Manage Most Post-Procedure Discomfort
        • Choosing a Screw or Cement to Attach an Implant Crown
        • Treating Teeth Grinding Now Could Help Prevent Excessive Tooth Wear Later
        • Seek Immediate Treatment for this Advanced Form of Gingivitis
        • Implant Surgery: A Safe and Routine Procedure
  • 2016
      • December (3)
        • Simplify Your Toothpaste Purchase by Looking for These Ingredients
        • Follow These Common Sense Steps When Your Child has a Toothache
        • Keep an Eye on Your Oral Health during Cancer Treatment
      • November (5)
        • Effective Dental Care Depends First on Getting the Big Picture
        • Start Early with Your Baby's Dental Care
        • Cleaning Your Oral Appliance Extends its Life and Ensures Good Health
        • 4 Big Benefits for Beginning Early Dental Visits for Your Child
        • Keep an Eye Out for Problems if Your Children Grind Their Teeth
      • October (4)
        • Preventive Care for Your Child is a Partnership between You and Your Dentist
        • What to Expect Before, During and After Implant Surgery
        • RPDs Offer Another Tooth Replacement Option for those on a Tight Budget
        • Gum Recession Could Shorten the Life of Your Teeth
      • September (5)
        • Ease Your Child's Discomfort During Teething
        • Certain Mouth Rashes Don't Respond to Topical Steroid Treatments
        • 4 Things to Give Your Child a Head Start on Good Oral Health
        • Treating Gum Disease Important to Saving the Underlying Bone
        • Dentures Still an Effective Restoration for Total Tooth Loss
      • August (4)
        • Paying Attention to Certain Factors Helps Ensure Successful Implant Outcomes
        • Minimally Invasive Dentistry: A New Approach to Preventing and Treating Decay
        • Grafting can Help Regenerate Gum Tissue Lost Through Recession
        • Winning the War on Gum Disease Requires Post-Treatment Vigilance
      • July (4)
        • Know the Facts to Reduce Your Child's Teething Discomfort
        • 4 Problem Areas That Could Affect Your Child's Teeth
        • Proper Brushing and Flossing Removes Disease-Causing Plaque
        • Consider a Removable Partial Denture as a Temporary Solution After Tooth Loss
      • June (5)
        • Crowns can now be made In-Office with the CAD/CAM System
        • Do Your Dentures and Mouth a Favor: Take Them Out at Night
        • Your Case of Gingivitis Could Develop into Something More Harmful
        • 4 Reasons Saving Your Child's Decayed Baby Tooth is a Good Idea
        • Sedation Therapy can reduce Anxiety in Children during Dental Visits
      • May (5)
        • 3 Causes for Implant Failure and What You can do About Them
        • Here's What to Do if Your Child has a Toothache
        • Find Out Why You or Your Partner Snores - it may be Sleep Apnea
        • Home Whitening Kits are Safe and Effective, if Used the Right Way
        • New Antiviral Drugs can Help you Break the Cold Sore Outbreak Cycle
      • April (3)
        • Put an End to Uncomfortable and Embarrassing Cracked Mouth Corners
        • Address Your Teeth Grinding Habit Early to Avoid Potential Tooth Loss
        • Regular Screenings Could Help With Early Oral Cancer Detection
      • March (5)
        • 4 Advantages to Using Composite Resins for Restoring Teeth
        • Improving a 'Gummy Smile' Depends on its Cause
        • Although a Global Problem, Tooth Decay can be Prevented
        • Watch for these 4 Signs of Gum Disease
        • Surgically Accessing Sinuses can Help Grow New Bone for Implants
      • February (4)
        • 4 Tips for Instilling Good Family Hygiene Habits
        • Taking the Dread Out of Dental Visits
        • Jaw Pain Disorders Could be Related to Other Body Conditions
        • Treating a Baby Tooth with Inner Decay can be Complicated - but Still Necessary
      • January (4)
        • FAQs: Keeping Your Mouth Healthy After Gum Disease Treatment
        • Plagued by Mysterious Mouth Ulcers?
        • 3 Tips for Helping Your Child Feel More Comfortable Going to the Dentist
        • Gluten Sensitivity can Lead to Dental Problems
  • 2015
      • December (5)
        • Take Positive Action with Your Child's Thumb-Sucking Habit
        • Is Dental Treatment Safe During Pregnancy?
        • Implant-Based Removable Dentures a Good Choice for Patients with Extensive Bone Loss
        • You May Need Your Gums Checked More Frequently After Gum Disease
        • Regenerating Lost Bone Can Make Dental Implants a Reality
      • November (4)
        • Taking Care of Oral Health Crucial to Quality of Life for HIV Positive Patients
        • Bone Loss Could be the Reason for Your Loose Dentures
        • Implant Placement in the 'Smile Zone' Requires Extra Attention
        • Know the Facts Before you Go Abroad for Dental Care
      • October (5)
        • The Importance of Baby Teeth
        • Periodontal Surgery may be Needed to Halt Gum Disease and Encourage Healing
        • Don't Neglect Office Cleanings with Dental Implants
        • You May Need Surgery to Repair the Damage of Gum Recession
        • Immediate Dentures Provide You With Teeth While Your Gums Heal
      • September (3)
        • Take Steps to Ease That Burning Sensation in Your Mouth
        • Gingivitis Could Become a More Serious Form of Gum Disease
        • Tooth-Colored Fillings Provide a Viable Alternative to Dental Amalgam
      • August (4)
        • The Time Interval to Replant a Knocked Out Tooth Can Affect its Longevity
        • Keep a Close Eye on Your Child's Fluoride Intake
        • An Implant-Supported Denture Offers a Number of Advantages
        • Ultrasonic Plaque Removal an Effective Alternative to Manual Scaling
      • July (5)
        • Topical Fluoride can Enhance Your Child's Dental Care
        • Complex Mouth Conditions Call for Dental Specialties
        • Cemented or Screwed: Which Implant Crown Attachment is Best for You?
        • Baby Your Teeth and Gums During Pregnancy
        • Developing a Dental Care Strategy Could Save Long-Term Costs
      • June (4)
        • 3 Questions You Should Ask before Undergoing Teeth Whitening
        • Replacing a Back Tooth May Help You Avoid Future Dental Problems
        • Using Sinus Surgery to Stimulate Bone Growth for Implants
        • A Retainer-Like Device can Preserve the Space Left by a Lost Primary Tooth
      • May (4)
        • A Clear Diagnosis of Jaw Pain is Needed to Determine the Right Treatment
        • Beyond Their Marketing Claims, Most Toothpastes are Surprisingly Similar
        • Root Planing Cleans Plaque from Tooth Roots Without Surgery
        • Preventing Dental Disease Starts with Assessing Your Unique Risk
      • April (5)
        • Cracked Tooth Syndrome
        • Irritating Cold Sore Outbreaks can be Controlled Through Medication
        • Limit Sugar in Your Diet for Better Oral and General Health
        • A Teen's Missing Tooth May Require a Temporary Replacement
        • Oral Cancer: Risk Factors and Prevention
      • March (4)
        • What to Expect from Teething
        • Gum Disease & Diabetes: Two Diseases With A Common Enemy — You.
        • What Is A Baby Tooth Worth?
        • Air Abrasion Offers a More Pleasant Dental Office Experience than Drills
      • February (4)
        • Dental Amalgam Fillings Remain a Safe and Reliable Tooth Restoration Option
        • Why Does My Dental Hygienist Ask So Many Questions?
        • Your Gum Tissue 'Biotype' Could Determine How Gum Disease Affects You
        • Pay Attention to Gum Disease Warning Signs for an Early Diagnosis
      • January (4)
        • Test Your Knowledge: A Quiz on Dental Erosion
        • It Could be More Than a Tooth You're Losing
        • Is Traditional Flossing too Difficult? Consider Water Flossing
        • It's an Art: Determining Tooth Color in Composite Resin Restorations
  • 2014
      • December (5)
        • Understanding Dry Mouth
        • Sugars: The Good and the Bad
        • Assessing Your Risk for Severe Gum Disease
        • More Than a new Smile - Dental Implants Help Stop Bone Loss as Well
        • Beyond Brushing and Flossing: Consider Other Risk Factors for Tooth Decay
      • November (3)
        • The Parent-Dentist Partnership: Establishing Better Oral Health for Your Child
        • The Sweet and Lowdown on Sugar Substitutes
        • 4 Reasons why Quitting Chewing Tobacco is Good for Your Oral Health
      • October (4)
        • The Tale of the Toothworm
        • Professional Cleanings Help you Maintain Healthy Teeth and Gums
        • Understanding the Benefits - and Limitations - of Dental Insurance
        • Lasers to Treat Gum Disease are Less Invasive, Cause Less Discomfort
      • September (5)
        • Keep an Eye on Your Oral Health While Taking Blood Pressure Medications
        • Saving a Baby Tooth is the Best Option for Permanent Tooth Development
        • Certain Drugs Taken for Osteoporosis Could Affect Dental Care Outcomes
        • Successful Outcomes With Dentures Depends on Attention to Detail
        • Extend the Life of Your Dental Appliance With Proper Care
      • August (5)
        • Consider Your Options When Financing Major Dental Procedures
        • Composite Resins are a Viable Restoration Option for Mildly Defective Teeth
        • Our Arsenal of Weapons in the War Against Gum Disease
        • Smoking may Increase the Risk of Early Implant Failure
        • Gum Disease may Affect Other Conditions in the Body - and Vise Versa
      • July (2)
        • Preserving or Restoring Teeth - Both Paths Lead to Better Oral Health
        • Red Wine and Tooth Staining
      • June (3)
        • Treating Thumb Sucking Now Could Reduce Orthodontic Treatment Later
        • What is Pediatric Conscious Sedation?
        • Snoring and Sleep Apnea Is No Laughing Matter
      • May (4)
        • The Effects of Missing Teeth
        • Frequently Asked Questions About Bad Breath
        • What You Can do to Help Your Child Develop a Dental Checkup Habit
        • Taking Care of That Annoying 'Bump' in Your Mouth
      • April (5)
        • Your Dentist May Have the Solution to Your Snoring and Sleep Apnea
        • Oral Irrigation for Cleaning Between the Teeth
        • Replace a Lost Tooth for Looks and for Health
        • The Facts About Porcelain Veneers
        • Replacing Missing Back Teeth Deserves a High Priority
      • March (4)
        • Overcoming Dental Care Obstacles in Children With Chronic Diseases
        • Treating Bite Problems Early Could Make Later Treatment Easier or Unnecessary
        • Kicking the Tobacco Chewing Habit a Must for Long-Term Health
        • Top Five Ways to Preserve Your Teeth for Life
      • February (4)
        • Helping Your Baby Cope With the Discomfort of Teething
        • Preserving Your Teeth's Enamel Could Preserve Your Teeth
        • Taking a Coordinated Approach to Treating Diabetes and Periodontal Disease
        • Understanding the Signs and Symptoms of Tooth Decay and a Diseased Root Canal
      • January (4)
        • Five Facts About Oral Health During Cancer Treatment
        • Treatment Options For Stained Teeth
        • Teeth Whitening Safety Depends on the Right Product Used in the Right way
        • Technique Just as Important With Powered Toothbrushes as With Manual
  • 2013
      • December (5)
        • Five Facts About Tooth-Colored Fillings
        • Tooth Trauma Doesn't Have to Mean Tooth Loss
        • Test Your Knowledge: Dentures
        • Dental Injuries in Sports: A True/False Quiz
        • Quitting the Smoking Habit Could Vastly Improve Your Dental Health
      • November (4)
        • Bad Breath — More Than Just Embarrassing!
        • Top 5 Tips for Teething Tots
        • Protecting Children's Teeth From Decay With Sealants
        • More Than a Clean Feeling - Professional Cleaning Enhances Oral Health
      • October (5)
        • Which is Better for Cleaning Your Teeth: Ultrasonic or Hand Tools?
        • TMD: How Can Such Small Joints Cause Such Big Problems?
        • Fluoride is a Proven Weapon in the Fight Against Tooth Decay
        • Know the Causes and Treatments for Chronic Dry Mouth
        • Identifying the Source of Mouth Pain Leads to More Efficient Treatment
      • September (4)
        • Oral Piercing Can Lead to Problems With Your Teeth and Gums
        • Tooth-Colored Fillings: A Natural-Looking Alternative
        • Tooth Bleaching: Test Your Knowledge
        • The Value of Mouthguards
      • August (4)
        • Five Facts About Crowns
        • Seeking Relief From Burning Mouth Syndrome
        • Cavity Prevention for Baby From Day 1
        • Prevention is the Key in the Fight Against Periodontal Disease
      • July (3)
        • Reducing Your Risk of Oral Cancer
        • Warning Signs of Gum Disease
        • Battling Bruxism and Saving Your Teeth
      • June (2)
        • A Whiter Smile the Professional Way
        • Maintaining your Dental Implants
      • May (2)
        • Evolutions in Tooth-Colored Fillings
        • What's In Your Toothpaste?
      • April (4)
        • New Materials Are Replacing Gold In Today's Dental Crowns
        • Five Things You Should Know About Oral Cancer
        • Sports Injuries To Kids' Teeth
        • Take the Scream Out of Ice Cream
      • March (3)
        • Oral Piercings: Five Things You Should Know
        • Pregnancy and Oral Health: What Expectant Moms Need to Know
        • Mouthguards: Is Your Child Or Athlete Protected?
      • February (4)
        • Rate Your Oral Hygiene
        • Laser Dentistry FAQs
        • What Should You Do When Your Tooth is Chipped or Broken?
        • Three Ways to Prevent Tooth Decay
      • January (4)
        • Crowns: Do You Know Your Options?
        • Dental Injuries: The Type Of Sports You Play Really Matters
        • FAQ: What You Need to Know About Your Childs Baby Teeth
        • Learning About the Relationship Between Your Pregnancy, Hormones And Gum Disease
  • 2012
      • December (4)
        • Common Ways We Can Treat Your Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD)
        • Understanding The Importance Of Dental X-Rays
        • How Does Fluoride Protect Your Teeth?
        • Tooth Brushing: Don't Overdo It!
      • November (3)
        • How Does Tooth Bleaching Work?
        • Testing your Knowledge on the Facts and Myths of Thumb Sucking
        • The Effects Ordinary Tap Water Has On Your Oral Health
      • October (5)
        • The Artist Behind Porcelain Veneers
        • Bleaching — An Excellent Tool For Whitening Stained Teeth
        • Are You at Advanced Risk for Gum Disease?
        • Tooth Replacement: It's Come a Long Way
        • Test your knowledge: How Much Do You Know about Mouthguards?
      • September (3)
        • End Your Fears and Relax with Oral Sedation Dentistry
        • Foolproof Flossing
        • Oral Health: When Should You Call Our Office?
      • August (5)
        • Understanding The 4 Stages Of Gum Disease
        • Quiz Yourself on Root Canal Treatment: How Much Do You Know?
        • TV Designer Nate Berkus Is Thankful for Childhood Preventive Dental Treatments
        • Fathers Day Tip: Step Up & Improve Your Dental Health!
        • How An Early Orthodontic Evaluation Can Prevent a Problem from Developing
      • July (4)
        • Seal Your Childrens Teeth from Decay
        • What Can You Do Today About Your Bad Breath?
        • Not Just Filling in the Gaps: Lost Teeth Have Unexpected Consequences
        • Dental Implants: The Best Solution For Missing Teeth
      • June (3)
        • How Can Chewing Gum Prevent Cavities
        • Sealants: The Protection Your Children's Teeth Need
        • Understanding the Importance of Pain-Free Dentistry
      • May (4)
        • Learn the Signs of Periodontal Disease
        • How Modern Dental Fillings Mimic Real Teeth
        • Do You Really Know How to Brush Your Teeth?
        • What's the Best Repair for a Chipped Tooth - Composite Resin or Porcelain Veneer?
      • April (4)
        • A New, Improved Solution for Loss of Teeth in the Lower Jaw
        • What Is A Veneer?
        • Understanding Tooth Sensitivity
        • Frequently Asked Questions about Bumps in the Mouth
      • March (4)
        • Facts You Should Know About Tooth Wear
        • Eight Reasons to Take Good Care of Your Teeth When Pregnant
        • Test Your Dental Vocabulary
        • Are Dental Implants Okay For Teenagers?
      • February (3)
        • Sinus Surgery — Creating Bone for Dental Implants “Out of Thin Air”
        • Loose Lower Dentures - An Old Problem with a New Solution
        • Are Porcelain Veneers Right For You?
      • January (4)
        • Test Your Knowledge: Frequently Asked Questions About Tooth Whitening
        • Grrr! FAQs about Teeth Grinding
        • Christie Brinkleys Tips on Tooth Whitening
        • Christie Brinkleys All-American Smile
  • 2011
      • December (4)
        • Are mouthguards important? Just ask Fitness Expert Jillian Michaels
        • Christie Brinkley Shares Her Experience With Dental Implants
        • What Is Gum Recession and How Is It Treated?
        • How Dentistry Saved Kathy Ireland's Smile
      • November (4)
        • How to Get Over Dental Phobia
        • Testing Your Oral Health IQ
        • Enhance Your Smile Through Teeth Whitening
        • The Dangers of Tongue & Lip Piercing to Dental Health
      • October (5)
        • Revolutionizing Dentistry With Lasers
        • 5 Reasons We Can Help Your Snoring and Other Sleep Related Breathing Disorders (SRBDs)
        • Oral Sedation — What You Need To Let Your Dentist Know First
        • Say Goodbye to Metal and Hello to Tooth-Colored Fillings
        • Lasers, An Important Dental Diagnosis Tool
      • September (4)
        • Tips For Dental Emergencies While Traveling
        • If You Snore, Please Read More!
        • How Much Do You Know About Nutrition and Oral Health?
        • Repairing Chipped Teeth
      • August (4)
        • Testing your Knowledge: Dental Implants
        • The Importance of Mouthguards - Do You Know the Facts?
        • The Truth About Thumb Sucking
        • Dental Implants: Quiz
      • July (5)
        • Are You at High Risk for Tooth Decay?
        • A Chewing Gum That's Good for your Teeth: A Quiz About Xylitol
        • Tooth-Colored Fillings - Do They Really Look Natural?
        • Understanding The Maintenance And Lifespan Of Porcelain Veneers
        • Sports-Related Dental Injuries: Do You Know What To Do?
      • June (4)
        • Take Our Quiz: Are You At Risk For Tooth Decay?
        • Understanding The Types Of Dental Implants And Restorations
        • Can Thumb Sucking Harm Your Child's Teeth?
        • Senior Health: Testing Your Oral Health Expertise?
      • May (5)
        • Understanding The Basics Of Laser Dentistry
        • Questions To Ask Before Getting A Crown
        • The Top Ten Reasons To Consider Porcelain Veneers
        • How Much Do You Really Know About Keeping Your Childrens Teeth Healthy?
        • Determining Your Risk For Tooth Decay — And Reversing It
      • April (4)
        • Oral Piercings — Tongue & Lip Bolts: Trendy But Dangerous
        • Don't Keep It A Secret: Tell Us About Your Dry Mouth
        • Sealants FAQ: How Do Sealants Prevent Decay and Protect Your Child's Teeth?
        • Testing Your Knowledge: Do Your Children Have Good Oral Health?
      • March (6)
        • Bad Breath — Discovering The Causes & Treatments
        • If Your Child Chipped A Tooth, What Should You Do?
        • What Is A Crown?
        • The Dangers Of Chewing Tobacco
        • Important Warning Signs Of Gum Disease
        • Vanna White Talks Dentistry
      • February (3)
        • Porcelain Crowns Vs. Veneers: What's The Difference?
        • Dental Erosion — Is Your Favorite Drink The Cause?
        • Common Questions About Bad Breath
      • January (1)
        • Oral Health Tips: Brush Up On A Great Smile
  • 2010
      • June (1)
        • Welcome to Our Blog!

Tags

  • oral health (112)
  • tooth decay (31)
  • dental health tips (2)
  • oral hygiene (62)
  • bad breath (6)
  • common symptoms (13)
  • dental hygiene (4)
  • cosmetic dentistry (32)
  • veneers (10)
  • crowns (10)
  • smile makeover (11)
  • teeth whitening (16)
  • celebrity smiles (6)
  • periodontal (gum) disease (6)
  • oral cancer (12)
  • sports dentistry (6)
  • bonding (4)
  • dental injuries (10)
  • dental emergencies (5)
  • pediatric dentistry (49)
  • fun dental facts (3)
  • sealants (3)
  • dry mouth (3)
  • oral piercings (2)
  • age one dental visit (1)
  • first dental appointment (1)
  • laser dentistry (6)
  • thumb sucking (7)
  • dental implants (40)
  • tooth decay quiz (1)
  • tooth colored fillings (6)
  • fillings (5)
  • chewing gum (2)
  • xylitol (1)
  • replacing teeth (2)
  • missing tooth (2)
  • dental implant (3)
  • mouthguards (3)
  • chipped tooth (4)
  • nutrition (7)
  • snoring and sleep apnea (2)
  • sedation dentistry (6)
  • oral sedation (4)
  • sleep apnea (3)
  • snoring (3)
  • sleep (1)
  • power bleaching (1)
  • dental anxiety (3)
  • gum recession (8)
  • root canal (2)
  • dental injury (6)
  • teeth grinding (5)
  • night guards (1)
  • loose dentures (3)
  • dentures (10)
  • overdenture (2)
  • sinus surgery (3)
  • pediatric care (1)
  • pregnancy (5)
  • tooth wear (1)
  • sensitive teeth (2)
  • brushing teeth (1)
  • dental fillings (4)
  • bleeding gums (2)
  • periodontal disease (13)
  • gum disease (32)
  • local anesthesia (1)
  • tooth loss (2)
  • orthodontics (5)
  • braces (1)
  • floss (1)
  • gingivitis (1)
  • inflammation (1)
  • brushing (1)
  • fluoride (4)
  • x-rays (2)
  • tmj (4)
  • tmd (4)
  • baby teeth (5)
  • dental crowns (1)
  • toothpaste (4)
  • bruxism (3)
  • crown (1)
  • dental emergency (3)
  • mouthguard (2)
  • tooth bleaching (1)
  • toothache (5)
  • cleaning (1)
  • teething (6)
  • smoking (4)
  • discolored teeth (1)
  • bleaching (1)
  • stained teeth (1)
  • diabetes (4)
  • missing teeth (3)
  • composite resins (2)
  • financing (1)
  • dental appliance (1)
  • osteoporosis (1)
  • blood pressure medication (1)
  • (1)
  • dental insurance (1)
  • dental cleanings (1)
  • tobacco (1)
  • sugar (3)
  • flossing (1)
  • dental erosion (1)
  • dental hygienist (1)
  • air abrasion (1)
  • partial denture (3)
  • bridge (2)
  • cold sore (2)
  • cracked tooth syndrome (1)
  • root planing (1)
  • tmj disorders (2)
  • space maintainer (2)
  • dental specialists (1)
  • topical fluoride (3)
  • burning mouth syndrome (3)
  • periodontal surgery (2)
  • dental care (3)
  • bone grafting (2)
  • gluten (1)
  • ulcers (1)
  • canker sores (1)
  • jaw pain (2)
  • gummy smile (1)
  • cracked mouth (1)
  • mouth rash (1)
  • partial dentures (1)
  • oral appliance (1)
  • night guard (2)
  • pain management (1)
  • root canal treatment (2)
  • cancer (1)
  • dental implant bridge (1)
  • loose teeth (1)
  • canker sore (1)
  • removable partial denture (1)
  • wedding day smile (1)
  • porcelain veneers (4)
  • bone loss (1)
  • orthodontic treatment (1)
  • toothbrush (1)
  • antibiotics (1)
  • bone graft (1)
  • medicine (1)
  • eating disorders (1)
  • chewing tobacco (1)
  • tooth staining (1)
  • oral surgery (1)
  • GERD (1)
  • gum surgery (1)
  • crown lengthening (1)
  • composite resin (1)

Categories:

  • Oral Health (261)
  • Dental Procedures (146)

 

Our Location

4170 State St
Saginaw, MI 48603-4025
989-792-7461

TEXT US:  989-252-7610

Office Hours
Monday:10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday:8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Wednesday:8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday:8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday:Closed
Saturday:Closed
Sunday:Closed
  • Home
  • Staff
  • Office
  • Services
  • New Patients
  • Patient Education
  • Contact Us
  • Appointment Request
  • Copyright © MH Sub I, LLC dba Officite
  • Disclaimer
  • Patient Privacy
  • Site Map

This office follows or exceeds all OSHA regulations and CDC guidelines for infection control.