3 Vital Reasons to Floss Regularly

reasons to floss your teeth

Are you an avid flosser? Many of us occasionally skip this needed habit. Studies show that around 68% of men and women report flossing at least once a week while 20% say they actually never floss. Skipping the daily flossing routine can have devastating consequences on your overall dental health and result in costly dental work in the future. Find out more about 3 major ways flossing helps protect us from gingivitis, cavities and enhances our social lives. 

1. Helps Fight Cavities

Every time we eat, small remnants of food are left behind. It’s common for these tiny bits of food to accumulate in between our teeth without us always being aware. When we floss, it cleans away all these bits of food and helps reduce the amount of plaque buildup on our teeth.

If we’re not flossing regularly, more and more plaque will form and put us at risk of developing cavities. When plaque begins to cover our teeth, the enamel is slowly worn down and can result in a tiny hole which we call a cavity. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends flossing at least once per day to prevent this growth of plaque.

2. Prevents Gum Disease

Gum disease is a serious dental issue and can leave you with fewer teeth if not properly taken care of in a timely manner. There are four stages to gum disease and the first signs usually show up as blood in your gums after flossing or brushing. Anytime we’re flossing and notice this, we can take it as a sign we’re not flossing sufficiently. The bleeding in our gums creates an accumulation of plaque and tartar along the gumline.

Flossing is a great way to clear away this plaque from our teeth. With a piece of floss, we can reach areas a toothbrush can’t reach. If we avoid flossing for long bouts, more and more tartar can accumulate and become harder to get rid of, so our gums bleed. Plaque and tartar allow certain bacteria to accrue and seep in between our gums, damaging our teeth in the process.

3. Freshens Your Breath

Have you ever wondered why your breath is stale at times? This could be due to a lack of flossing, even if you brush regularly. When you brush your teeth, you remove small amounts of saliva, food, and a variety of fluids from your teeth. If you don’t brush routinely, everything sticks to your teeth and results in foul-smelling breath. The same thing can happen when we start reducing the amount of time we spend flossing. Since the food is collecting at a slower rate, we may not notice our breath turning sour. Eventually, this will lead to covering our mouths during conversation.

Conclusion

Even if flossing is the most challenging part of your oral health regimen, refusing to floss is not worth the risk. Removing the bacteria in between your teeth regularly is crucial to your dental health and will keep your breath smelling fresh.

Flossing and brushing are the best preventative measures to avoid gum disease. Remember to have twice-yearly professional dental cleanings as well. If you’re not currently flossing, it’s best to start sooner rather than later. Unexpected cavities can be costly to treat and damaging to your health.

 

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

 

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Raise Your Dental IQ

Raise Your Dental IQ

Small things can raise your Dental IQ and benefit your smile. One simple lesson involves bacteria, and everyone’s mouth has a lot of it.

But, don’t worry, bacteria per se isn’t the problem. It’s the balance of bacteria that’s important. This is where brushing and flossing come into play. Brush and floss properly each day and you will have a better chance of keeping the appropriate balance.

Another precaution you can take to guard against the wrong kind of bacteria is to keep your toothbrush as far away from the toilet as possible. Also, close the lid of the toilet before you flush.

Make sure to wash your hands before you brush and floss. No exceptions!

When it comes to a good toothbrush, don’t get sentimental. The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush every three to four months. If you can avoid the unhealthy balance of bacteria in your mouth, you can avoid gum disease, tooth decay, as well as bad breath.

If you have sensitive teeth, don’t rinse your mouth out after you brush your teeth at night. The fluoride in the toothpaste can help remineralize your enamel. If you go to bed with some toothpaste left on your teeth, it has a chance to go to work.

If you can avoid decay, it’s less likely that you will need more extensive dental work such as dental implants and crowns.

Dr. Steven Gustafson is passionate about helping patients maintain healthy teeth and beautiful smiles. If you would like to know more about our services, give us a call at 248-541-8770.

 

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

 

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Why a Root Canal Is Not Something To Fear

root canal sedation Royal Oak

Today’s Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry post addresses one of the most feared dental procedures: the infamous root canal.

If you are told that you need a root canal, don’t panic. Your dentist recommends this procedure when it is better for your tooth than the alternatives.

A successful root canal (or endodontic treatment in dental-speak) can save a tooth and prevent the need for an extraction followed by a dental bridge, dental implant, or gap in your smile.

If, after a thorough evaluation, we determine that a tooth needs a root canal, Dr. Gustafson will explain the procedure and costs that are involved.

Root canals are performed to save an infected tooth. If not treated, abscesses and complete tooth loss may occur.

During the procedure, Gustafson will remove the nerve and pulp, and then clean and disinfect the interior of your tooth (the canal). The next step is filling and sealing the cleaned area with a special rubbery material, and then protecting the restored tooth with a crown or filling.

Root canals have a reputation for being painful, but this is not the case anymore. There are several effective pain management methods available today at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry. We will make sure you are comfortable during the procedure. Once the infected tissue is removed, we will focus on helping the area heal.

If you are unfamiliar with our services at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry, be sure to visit our website at https://gmdentistry.com to get more specifics.

 

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

 

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Smile Transformations At Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry

smile makeovers Royal Oak

Hello friends of Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry! Today’s post is for individuals who aren’t happy about their smile.

Don’t Like Your Teeth?

Common dilemmas for patients include yellow teeth, misaligned teeth, too much or too little gum tissue, missing teeth, or weakened teeth.

Few individuals have naturally stunning smiles, but those that practice proper oral care can avoid many issues that influence oral health and the attractiveness of their smile. But some individuals are unsatisfied with their smiles even though they practice regular oral hygiene.

The friendly team at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry wants you to know that cosmetic dentistry can transform your smile, regardless of its shortcomings. Dr. Gustafson has the experience and skill to transform ordinary smiles into extraordinary smiles.

Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry

We perform dental bonding, porcelain veneers, dental implant procedures, crowns, tooth whitening, crown lengthening (gum shaping), inlays/onlays, and orthodontia.

Dr. Gustafson considers the following important smile

features:

  • White teeth, free of stains
  • Attractive gumline
  • No chips, cracks, cupping, or extensive wearing
  • Tooth size, length, and placement in harmony with facial features
  • Teeth aligned on three planes

Call 248-541-8770 today to communicate with us about a phenomenal cosmetic dental smile makeover.

 

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

 

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4 Reason To Look For The ADA Seal

Madison Heights cosmetic dental and adult braces

When you go to your drugstore or supermarket looking for toothpaste, mouthwash, teeth whitener, or another oral care product, be sure that the product you decide on lists the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance.

Today, we look at 4 ways the ADA seal can help you make good oral care choices for you and your family.

1. Products with the seal have to be safe and effective, so you won’t waste your cash on something that won’t work, or worse, can harm you.

2. The American Dental Association (ADA) only places its seal on a product after serious scientific testing. This usually means that manufacturers have to meet higher standards than those required by law.

3. When you purchase products with the ADA seal, it’s practically like shopping with your Royal Oak dentist or dental hygienist right by your side! Who wouldn’t want that extra knowledge and information?

4. The ADA seal is not the organization’s endorsement of one particular product or another but rather is a verification of the assertions made by said product, claims on which savvy consumers can rely.

Dr. Gustafson of Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry
serves the Detroit, area from our beautiful practice in Royal Oak. We take pride in caring for our patients and, like the ADA, want you to have a healthy, beautiful smile.

 

 

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

 

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5 Ways To Prevent A Cracked Tooth

cost of dental crowns Detroit

Cracked teeth can be painful, unattractive, and expensive to repair. Today’s post in the Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry dental blog contains an easy-to-follow list of tips to keep your teeth whole and strong.

1. Don’t chew on hard substances. Mind-blowing, right? People should steer clear of ice, hard candies, hard nuts, popcorn, and beef jerky. Also be wary of pitted fruits—that peach may be soft but if you bite hard into the stone, you could damage a tooth.

2. It is important to protect your teeth while engaging in any physical activity where your mouth can be hit. If you enjoy pick-up basketball games, indoor soccer leagues, rec center flag football, and many other activities, you should be using a well-fitting mouth protector.

3. Don’t use your teeth as a tool. Locate a pair of scissors to open a package or rip the price tag off a new piece of clothing with your teeth. Use a nutcracker for nuts. A quality dental crown can cost hundreds of dollars.

4. Most people know that grinding your teeth is detrimental, but did you know that it can lead to a cracked tooth? If you know or suspect that you are a tooth grinder, speak with your dentist so you can address the problem with stress reduction techniques and/or a mouth guard. Chronic head or jaw pain can be caused by teeth grinding.

5. Lastly, make sure that you visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. Your dentist can alert you to conditions that might predispose you to cracked teeth, such as having an uneven chewing surface or brittle teeth. Your dentist may also discover tiny cracks you aren’t aware of. These cracks can then be repaired before further damage or decay occurs.

If you already have a cracked tooth, never fear! Treatment is available for cracks small and large. Veneers, cosmetic dental bonding, inlays/onlays, fillings, and dental implants are all used to repair or replace damaged teeth.

If you break a tooth, call 248-541-8770 or come to our office at 940 E 11 Mile Rd in Royal Oak.

 

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

 

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Dental Crowns At Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry In Royal Oak

Dental Crowns at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry in Royal Oak Dental crowns have been used in dentistry for over 2000 years. There is evidence that the Etruscans experimented with crowns on teeth using ivory and bone as early as 700 B.C. By 200 A.D., they began using gold crowns to construct artificial teeth. Ancient Egyptians fashioned tooth replacements out of seashells and then hammered them into their gums. (Oral sedation, anyone?)

Porcelain crowns were first used in the 1800s. With the refining of metal casting methods in the 1900s, crown dentistry advanced significantly.

Today, crowns are strong and comfortable, and are made to match your surrounding teeth.

Dental crowns (also called caps) cover the entire visible portion of the tooth and are cemented in place. Crowns are used to strengthen teeth that have been worn down or weakened by decay or injury. Crowns are also used to restore the original shape of a tooth or solely to improve the appearance of a tooth.

The most common types of crowns are:

  • All-porcelain (ceramic)
  • Porcelain-fused-to-metal
  • Gold

The material used is determined by several factors. If you suspect you need a crown, want to replace an old crown, or want to learn about other cosmetic dentistry procedures, call Dr. Steven Gustafson at 248-541-8770. Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry is located at 940 E 11 Mile Rd in Royal Oak. We have been serving patients in the Detroit area since 1984. We can recommend the best tooth restoration or cosmetic dentistry option for you.

 

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

 

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5 Critical Things To Know About Periodontal Disease

gum disease exam Royal Oak

Periodontal disease, also called gum disease, is inflammation or infection of the gums. For the most part, periodontal disease is preventable. This condition is so widespread in the US that it has been called a ‘health crisis’ by the ADA. Fortunately, periodontal disease can be treated.

  1. If left untreated, it can cause irreversible damage such as tooth loss.
  2. Practicing proper dental hygiene and having 6-month dental exams are the best way to prevent periodontal disease.
  3. Periodontal disease can occur without the presence of decay.
  4. Almost half of all 30+ adults in the US have periodontal disease.
  5. In some cases, periodontal disease generates no noticeable symptoms.

Risk factors for periodontal disease include tobacco use, dissatisfactory oral hygiene (especially failing to floss), genetics, teeth grinding, inflammatory conditions, and poor nutrition.

Even if you don’t feel any pain in your mouth, it is vital to see your dentist regularly. To schedule a periodontal disease exam, call Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry today at 248-541-8770 or visit https://gmdentistry.com.

“Periodontal Disease Affects Nearly Half of the U.S. Population,” American Dental Association, June 15, 2015, http://www.ada.org/en/science-research/science-in-the-news/periodontal-disease-affects-nearly-half-us-population, accessed June 6, 2017

 

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

ArticleID 7464

Bad Breath Is No Fun

Bad Breath Is No Fun For Royal Oak Residents Imagine you are starting a new job and are going to talk to your new boss for the first time. Confidence is key to your success. As you reach out to shake the extended hand your broad confident smile exposes rows of pearly white teeth, yet when you open your mouth to exchange greetings you worry about bad breath.

Perhaps your breath is not as pleasant as you had hoped. Bad breath is a worry and possible embarrassment for many men and women. Regular dental checkups at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry can help alleviate your concern over bad breath. We have been addressing bad breath since 1984.

The technical term for bad breath is halitosis. Many conditions and behaviors can cause or contribute to bad breath. One of these factors is the food you eat. Onions and garlic are both known for having a potent effect on your breath.

Brushing and flossing daily is a critical step in curing bad breath. Food particles can build up in your mouth and foster bacteria which can cause bad breath. This not only includes the food particles that may get stuck between your teeth, but also the food that collects around your gums or on your tongue. Brushing and flossing daily can help reduce the number of food particles that stay in your mouth and cause bad breath.

Other factors to examine include dry mouth, tobacco use, and health concerns such as infections. Come visit Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry located in Royal Oak, Michigan; we’ll provide you with information about bad breath in a professional environment. Give us a call at 248-541-8770 to set up an appointment.

Dr. Steven Gustafson

 

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

 

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Avoid These 5 Smile Wreckers

oral health hazards Royal Oak

We hope today’s post will alert blog visitors to some harmful oral health risks. At Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry, too often, we treat cavities and damage caused by the following:

1. Sports Injuries

Many parents send their children out on the playing field with a mouthguard but fail to shield themselves when they participate in activities that put teeth at risk. Talk to us at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry about custom sports mouthguards for every athlete in the family.

2. Ice Chomping

Many people like chewing ice, especially that irresistible pebble ice you can get in some fountain drinks. You may not even be aware that you chew on the ice when you have finished your drink. Breaking this habit can shield your teeth from cracks, chips, and tooth sensitivity.

3. Oral Piercings

Are you someone who expresses your personality with piercings in and around the mouth? We strongly discourage this. In addition to the risk of cracking or chipping, infection and permanent nerve damage can occur.

4. Gummy or Sour Candy

Of course, all sugary treats are no friend to your enamel, but gummy candy packs a double punch because it is both sugary and clings tightly to teeth. Sour candy triggers even more acid production than sugary candy alone. If your sweet tooth is extremely persuasive, chew sugarless gum.

5. Eating Disorders

These complex mental disorders have a plethora of mental and physical implications and, for most affected people, cannot be simply wished away with willpower. If you suffer from bulimia or anorexia, we hope you are receiving the appropriate professional treatment. Be advised, however, that there are some things you can do to acquire a measure of protection for your teeth while you work through the healing process. Dr. Gustafson can provide sensitive, discrete oral health counsel for those currently suffering or those who have overcome a disorder but have tooth damage as a result.

What If It’s Too Late?

If you have oral health dilemmas due to one of these, or for any other reason, there are still ways to heal your smile. Virtually all tooth damage can be treated with advanced dentistry. We pride ourselves on providing solutions to the dental issues caused by common smile wreckers. However, we are even happier when our patients are able to avoid them and just visit us twice a year for a checkup and cleaning. Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry is located at 940 E 11 Mile Rd, in Royal Oak, Michigan. Call us at 248-541-8770 to schedule a consultation.

 

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

 

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