Starting Chemo? How Are Your Teeth?

cancer related tooth risks Royal Oak

If you are scheduled for cancer treatment due to a recent diagnosis or relapse, oral health is probably not your first priority. However, the team at Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry counsels you to give some attention to your teeth to prevent or minimize common cancer-related dental complications.

According to the National Institutes of Health, cancer treatment often takes a heavy toll on a healthy smile.

Common Complications of Chemotherapy and/or Radiation

Inflammation of the mucous membranes
Viral, bacterial, and fungal infections
Mouth dryness (increases risk of cavities)
Poor nutrition due to eating difficulties
Mouth pain
Oral bleeding
Lifelong risk of tooth decay
Loss of elasticity of masticatory muscles (may make opening mouth difficult)
Bone recession due to decreased blood flow
Tooth loss

Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry in Royal Oak wants to help you maintain oral health before, during, and after your cancer treatment. We offer comprehensive preventative and restorative dental services including cosmetic dentistry, Invisalign, dental implants

We extend to our dental patients battling cancer our sincere hopes for your successful treatment. It is a pleasure to serve your oral health needs.

“Oral Complications of Cancer Treatment: What the Dental Team Can Do,” National Institutes of Health, https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/OralHealth/Topics/CancerTreatment/OralComplicationsCancerOral.htm, accessed on May 27, 2014

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

 

ArticleID 6495

Beautiful Teeth Without Breaking The Bank

affordable teeth whitening Royal Oak

At Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry in Royal Oak, our cosmetic dental smile makeover patients believe that life-changing cosmetic dentistry is a worthwhile investment. Indeed, for most people, the value of a healthy, appealing smile cannot be measured in dollars. We agree, however, that cosmetic dentistry is not cheap.

Do you have to spend thousands of dollars to upgrade your smile? Actually, no. Today’s post focuses on the most affordable cosmetic dental procedures.

Dental Bonding
In many cases, dental bonding can be used to correct a tooth that has been chipped.

When Steven Gustafson repairs a tooth with dental bonding, a pliable resin material is applied to the tooth. Dr. Gustafson expertly molds the material to create the desired shape. The resin is then hardened using a special light. After hardening, Dr. Gustafson performs any necessary trimming and shaping followed by a final polishing.

Dental bonding is typically less costly than porcelain veneers or dental crowns. Call us at 248-541-8770 to discuss cosmetic dental financing options.

Beware of brand-new Detroit area practices that advertise extremely low prices for dental bonding, veneers, or dental implants. The expertise and artistic ability necessary to attain minuscule tolerances should not be undertaken by a beginner. Thoroughly research any new cosmetic dentist you are considering for any cosmetic dental procedures or complete smile redesign.

Tooth Whitening
Most Royal Oak people are aware that there are several different tooth whitening methods. Steven Gustafson recommends scheduling a tooth whitening consultation to discuss your options. Even inexpensive OTC tooth bleaching systems can be misused and bring about tooth sensitivity, damage to tooth enamel, and irregular coloration.

Regarding the cost of teeth whitening: if you elect an at-home system from a drugstore, you may have to buy several packages to obtain even slight whitening. In-office whitening or a take-home system from our office may be more affordable in the long run.

 

Contact Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry:

248-541-8770

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

940 E 11 Mile Rd
Royal Oak, Michigan
48067

 

ArticleID 6923

3 Dental Dangers For Toddlers

Ferndale family dentist

Hello new parents! We know that keeping babies and toddlers safe and healthy requires constant effort. You clip them tightly in their car seats, lock your medicine cabinet and guard the stairway with a gate. You take them to your pediatrician for immunizations, check-ups and an occasional prescription for an antibiotic.

Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry wants to remind you about another vital component of child wellness: oral health. Sadly, we see too many cases of completely preventable child cavities. You have probably received the following critical general dentistry advice, but it bears repeating:

  1. Don’t put babies to bed with a bottle!
  2. Don’t allow kids to drink juice continually during the day!
  3. Prevent frequent snacking on sugary foods!

Oral health is intrinsically connected to overall physical health and normal development. If your oral hygiene is not up to par, now is the time to shape up and help your young child develop prime oral health habits that will serve them well throughout their life.

Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry recommends beginning twice-yearly dental visits around age one or when the first tooth erupts. Our friendly staff helps young patients feel comfortable and relaxed during their exams.

Dr. Steven Gustafson & Dr. Shari Morningstar can advise you on thumb sucking, dental sealants, normal child tooth development, braces, athletic tooth protection, fluoride, or any other pediatric dental issue.

In addition to children’s dentistry, Gustafson Morningstar Dentistry offers the full spectrum of cutting-edge restorative and cosmetic dental procedures such as: cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, and dentures

If your toddler has not yet visited the dentist in Royal Oak MI, schedule an appointment ASAP by calling us 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