Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry Treats Canker Sores, Lesions, And Fever Blisters

Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry Treats Cankers Sores Lesions and Fever Blisters

At Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry, one of the most common complaints we hear from Royal Oak dentistry patients is problems with mouth sores.

There are many different kinds of oral lesions which can make eating and talking painful. Some are annoying yet harmless, while other sores are more serious and require medical intervention.

Though not contagious, the most common complaint is canker sores, which affect an estimated eighty percent of the Birmingham population. Canker sores can be attributed to stress, tissue irritation, or acidic foods.

Dr. Steven Gustafson can prescribe a topical dental paste to relieve pain and guard against infection. Recurring canker sores can sometimes be a symptom of a larger health problem.

Another common complaint is fever blisters or cold sores, which are contagious fluid-filled blisters. Detroit cold sore sufferers should be aware that they can become infected. At Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry, we advise our patients on how to treat cold sores and avoid further breakouts.

Fungal infections and oral cancer can cause sores in the mouth and throat. See your Detroit dentist if you experience any of the following:

Lumps or discolored patches in the mouth lasting longer than three weeks
Unusually large lesions
Multiple sores

Dr. Steven Gustafson reminds patients that eating a well balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, and not smoking can all aid in oral health and hygiene.

To schedule an appointment, or ask about other oral concerns, contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry today at 248-541-8770.

Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry in Royal Oak  provides the full spectrum of general, cosmetic, and pediatric dental services. We offer cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, dentures, orthodontics, general dentistry and complete smile makeovers.

The following online articles were used as source material for this blog:
‘Mouth Sores,’ American Academy of Otolaryngology, December 2010, http://www.entnet.org/HealthInformation/mouthSores.cfm, accessed on November 29, 2011
‘Dental Health and Canker Sores,’ WebMD, November 2011, http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/canker-sores, accessed on November 29, 2011

 

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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Cosmetic Dental Artistry

Royal Oak Cosmetic Dental Artistry Royal Oak cosmetic dentistry is part science and part art.

I’m Steven Gustafson of Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry and enjoy using my extensive dental training and artistic skills to design treatment plans unique to each of my Royal Oak cosmetic dental patients.

In order to achieve an attractive, yet natural-looking result, I do much more than recommend specific procedures. I consider the shape, alignment, color, and condition of the teeth. In order to create a balanced look, the facial shape and coloring is taken into account. The Detroit dentistry patient’s age, health condition, and lifestyle all influence the plan.

At Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment plan.

My artistic abilities have been perfected over several years of creating smile transformations for my Birmingham and Berkley cosmetic dentistry patients. Even fairly recent cosmetic dental procedures such as teeth whitening and porcelain veneers have advanced considerably. Dental implants are a truly remarkable solution for our Michigan dental patients who have lost one or more teeth.

I would love to perform a personalized smile makeover for you. When the work has been completed and you are enjoying your new look, it will only be obvious to those who see you all the time. Others will assume you have always been blessed with a naturally beautiful and healthy 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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Out of Toothpaste? Here Are 5 Alternative Solutions to Maintain Your Oral Health

Out of Toothpaste? Here Are 5 Alternative Solutions to Maintain Your Oral Health

Toothpaste plays a vital role in maintaining oral hygiene in our Detroit area. There is no doubt that modern toothpaste provides important medical benefit and will help you keep your teeth healthy and strong.

But what happens when you run out of toothpaste unexpectedly?

Fret not! There are several alternative solutions readily available in your home that can effectively clean your teeth and freshen your breath in a pinch. While we are strong advocates for toothpaste here at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry, we also believe it is important to maintain a regular daily habit of brushing your teeth. We also know you can’t always plan ahead or have your toiletry kit on hand.

With this rare circumstance in mind, let’s take a look at five toothpaste substitutes that you can use temporarily until you restock your toothpaste supply.

Plain Household Baking Soda

Baking soda is a versatile household product in Detroit that can act as an excellent toothpaste substitute. Its mild abrasive properties help remove plaque and surface stains, while its alkaline nature neutralizes acids in the mouth. Simply wet your toothbrush, dip it into a small amount of baking soda, and brush your teeth as you would with regular toothpaste. However, use it sparingly as excessive use can erode tooth enamel.

A Quick Saltwater Rinse

Saltwater is a natural antiseptic that can help kill bacteria in your mouth and soothe gum inflammation. Dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water, swish the solution around your mouth for 30 seconds, and then spit it out. This method can be used as a temporary solution until you can purchase toothpaste at your local pharmacy in Detroit, but it’s important to note that it doesn’t offer the same benefits as brushing.

A Few Drops of Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide, commonly used as a disinfectant by many in the Detroit area, can also be used as a toothpaste alternative. It helps kill bacteria and reduces plaque buildup. Mix equal parts of 3% hydrogen peroxide and water, and use the solution as a mouthwash, swishing it around your mouth for a minute before spitting it out. Avoid swallowing the solution, and do not use concentrations higher than 3%, as it can cause oral irritation.

A Tablespoon of Coconut Oil

Coconut oil pulling has been shown to help with oral health and is popular with naturalists. Oil pulling is a technique that requires you to swish your mouth with coconut oil for 15 minutes or more. Not exactly the most convenient solution for our Detroit friends. Oil pulling “promotes oral health by eliminating bacteria.” Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry doesn’t recommend this practice as a regular solution, and we often wonder whether coconut oil is actually more accessible than at least a little dab of toothpaste, but we wanted to include it for the record.

To use this method, take a tablespoon of organic coconut oil and swish it around in your mouth for 15-20 minutes, ensuring it reaches all corners. Spit out the oil afterward and rinse your mouth thoroughly with water. This method can help reduce plaque, freshen breath, and maintain healthy gums. It isn’t the most convenient way to get the job done, and there are skeptics who question the ultimate value of coconut oil pulling, but it will do in a pinch.

Toothbrush Alone

In situations where you don’t have access to any of the above alternatives, using a toothbrush alone can still remove plaque and provide some level of oral cleanliness. Wet your toothbrush and brush your teeth thoroughly for two minutes, focusing on each tooth and using gentle circular motions. While it doesn’t provide the same level of freshness as toothpaste, it’s better than skipping oral hygiene altogether.

While running out of toothpaste can leave you feeling unprepared, these alternative solutions can help maintain your oral health until you can restock your supply.

From baking soda to saltwater rinses, hydrogen peroxide, coconut oil pulling, and even using a toothbrush alone, there are options available for various situations.

However, it’s important to note that these alternatives are not meant to replace regular toothpaste in the long term. Remember to prioritize restocking your toothpaste and maintaining a consistent oral hygiene routine to ensure optimal dental health, and we’ll see you at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry in Royal Oak Michigan for your next checkup!

 

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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3 Tips To Make Brushing Count

Madison Heights affordable family dentist

Many of Dr. Steven Gustafson’s patients walk in for cosmetic dentistry, teeth cleaning, or Invisalign clear braces. Many for routine checkups and cleanings. And most really want to know if they are brushing effectively. Having patients come for treatment and leave with questions answered—from which toothpaste to buy to proper tools and techniques—is our business. At Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry we are all about educating our patients. Sometimes life is as easy as 1-2-3.

1 Soft Bristle Toothbrush

Gentle brushing will achieve the same results as hard bristle brushing without abrasive damage to gums and gum lines. There is never a good reason to use hard or medium bristle toothbrushes. Better yet, wet the soft bristle toothbrush to be sure the bristles are flexible before brushing.

2 Minutes of Brushing and Flossing

Split the mouth into fourths and spend a good 30 seconds in each quarter. Hit the chewing surfaces, the inside surfaces, and the outside surfaces, and gently massage the gums. Be sure to reach the far side of the back tooth that is never visible but can collect food and allow tooth decay to begin. Take two minutes to floss after brushing in the evening to remove any remnants the toothbrush couldn’t coax out and to clean any build-up. You have approximately 32 teeth and 32 gaps to floss clean. Two minutes should do the trick, but adding an extra minute for good measure can’t hurt.

3 Times a Day

Brushing after every meal should remain the goal. This is difficult for many who are not home for the midday meal. To achieve amazing dental hygiene, brushing is a priority. There are as many toothpaste choices out there as you have teeth; without consistent brushing and flossing, those teeth are facing sure destruction. Don’t misunderstand, toothpaste is vital. Toothpaste acts as the vehicle that collects the debris, keeps the bristles pliable, fluoridates the mouth, freshens the breath, and does a myriad of other side jobs. But after every meal, gently removing food debris prevents breakdown on precious tooth surfaces. Even if you don’t use toothpaste after lunch, a quick brush can keep your teeth free of build-buildup

Here at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry, we understand that nature has dealt with crooked teeth, sensitive teeth, and weak teeth for many patients. When you schedule an appointment to communicate with Dr. Gustafson, you will be advised on ways to correct your smile.

We provide our patients with the following services and many more: orthodontics, general dentistry, dental implants, dentures, and cosmetic dentistry.

 

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 Reasons To Make Sure Your Child Sees A Dentist

Berkley family dentist

Did you know that The American Dental Association recommends that a child’s first visit to a dentist should occur around twelve months of age?

For many parents in the Birmingham, Berkley, and Madison Heights areas, this may come as a surprise. Today in the Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry post, we are going to review 4 reasons why your toddler’s teeth are worth a dental visit.

1. Twelve months of age happens to be about the time when a toddler’s first teeth tend erupt. Once those teeth are out, it’s time to get them looked at by a professional.

2. One of the important things your dentist will do at this visit will be to clean those young teeth and apply fluoride.

3. Visiting the dentist at a young age is a great way to help your child get used to the dentist’s office. This will help them to be more comfortable with the dentist as they grow older.

4. Visiting the dentist also helps parents enlist the help of other adults in developing good dental habits in their children. Starting early dental visits will mean that later in life your child is less likely to require braces or other dentistry procedures such as dental implants.

If your child is apprehensive about visiting the dentist, you might want to bring them for a short tour of our office beforehand. They can meet our friendly staff and learn what to expect when they come in for their exam.

At Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry we offer:

cosmetic dentistry
dental implants
orthodontics

Thanks for visiting our blog!

 

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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Mini Implants May Be Right For You

How Mini Dental Implants Can Help Your Smile in 48067 I’m Steven Gustafson of Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry in Royal Oak. Today’s topic is mini dental implants, sometimes called “immediate implants”.

Though they are not as well known as traditional dental implants, mini implants are also being used successfully in the Royal Oak area to improve smiles. Like their larger diameter counterparts, mini implants can support a restoration for one or more missing teeth or replace a bridge or fixed denture. Denture wearers benefit dramatically from these slip-free dental implants that are anchored securely in the jaw bone.

In some cases, a patient is unable to receive traditional full-size dental implants due to insufficient bone thickness. There are also mini-implant patients who are not able to undergo dental implant surgery due to health issues. These patients are often excellent candidates for the mini version.

The placement of toothpick-size mini dental implants can sometimes be done in one dental visit. The placement usually requires no incisions or stitches. Recovery time, if required, is often very short. Most patients are able to eat dinner that evening.

Don’t let the word “mini” fool you; your smile can receive a maximum upgrade with mini dental implants. Call Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry 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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The 411 on TMJ

TMJ dentist Royal Oak

Do you have unexplained pain or clicking sounds in your jaw? They can be signs of serious oral issues.

Some problems with the jaw and the muscles that control it are known as temporomandibular disorders (TMD). But it’s also also called TMJ, because that’s the acronym for the name of the joint. Technically, that’s not correct.

“Temp-or-o-man-di-what?!

Let’s talk about what this means. The word temporomandibular (pronounced ‘temp-ur-o-man-di-bye-ler) is defined as ‘of, relating to, being, or affecting the joint that connects the temporal bone and the mandible.’

(We are not betting people, but if we were, we would bet that you did not foresee an anatomy lesson from your dentist.) The temporal bones are found at the sides and base of your skull and incorporate five parts, the squama, the petrous, mastoid, the tympanic parts, and the styloid process. The mandible is the lower jaw, and, anatomically speaking, holds your whole face together.

What are the signs of TMD?

If you have jaw problems, either due to an accident, arthritis, misalignment of teeth or jaw, teeth grinding and clenching, poor posture, or chewing gum, you may experience:

  • tooth grinding or clicking 
  • jaw pain
  • earaches
  • popping sounds in your ears
  • headaches
  • stiff or sore jaw muscles
  • locking of the jaw joint
  • pain in the temple area

Quite often, TMJ symptoms will go away on their own. Some individuals who suffer from TMD notice flare-ups when they are under a lot of stress.

TMD is an often misdiagnosed condition because facial pain can result from a variety of dilemmas, not just damage to the temporomandibular joints. Sinus infections, tooth decay, and facial injuries can cause jaw pain. A correct diagnosis is the first step in treating TMD.

If your TMD symptoms don’t go away on their own, seek professional help. Chronic TMD can be debilitating and your dentist can help. Dentists that treat TMD work closely with a network of specialists including ENT specialists, neurologists, and physical therapists. Talk to a healthcare professional.

 

 

 

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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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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We Keep Dental Patients Comfortable

Keeping Dental Patients Comfortable in Royal Oak

To state the obvious, nobody enjoys pain. Dr. Gustafson knows this, and that is why the dental team at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry has made patient comfort our number one goal.

In conjunction with creating a soothing environment, we have various medications that can lower and even eliminate pain associated with different dental procedures to give you a more enjoyable experience.

Some of the most common pain-relieving medications used in Detroit dentist offices and around the country are topical anesthetics. These are swabbed directly onto mouth tissue and numb the surface layers. Topical anesthetics can limit the pain of mouth sores, or they can be applied to prepare the mouth for an injection.

Local anesthetics are injected into mouth tissue (usually the gums) to block the nerve sensations in distinct areas of the mouth. Dentists usually numb the mouth in this way before filling cavities, treating gum disease, or performing cosmetic dentistry procedures.

More involved dental procedures may necessitate nitrous oxide or even general anesthesia. Ask us about sleep dentistry and oral conscious sedation.

Dentists often recommend an OTC analgesic to relieve pain after a dental visit. These medications include aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen.

Because your dentist will probably administer a pain reliever during the dental visit or prescribe something for you to take after the procedure, make sure you bring a complete list of medications you are taking, including herbal supplements, before each appointment.

I’m Dr. Steven Gustafson and I want patients to be informed about their dental care, especially as it pertains to pain relief during dental treatment. If you are in the Royal Oak area and looking for quality dental care, I invite you to contact my office today 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

 

ArticleID 3542

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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