Waterford Family Dental Care

Make Dentistry Kid-Friendly

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Make Dentistry Kid-Friendly

At Waterford Family Dental Care, we treat patients of all ages. From infants to octogenarians, we know exactly what each patient needs. When it comes to your kids, though, no one knows them better than you, which is why it’s so important that you play an active role in helping your little one have a positive relationship with dentistry. Fear of the dentist starts early, so the time to take action is NOW! Here are a few tips to help your child be comfortable with visits to the dentist and all other aspects of dental health:

  1. Bring your child to your dental appointments. They can help “count your teeth,” see the fun chair, and become familiar with the tools of the trade. If you make it more of a field trip than a chore, they’ll start to look forward to visits to the dentist.
  2. Make dentistry part of play. You can read books about going to the dentist, take dolls to imaginary dental appointments, and even make up stories. Not only will this help your child feel comfortable at the dentist, it gives you the opportunity to create memories together, as well.
  3. Model good dental health. Your child will be more likely to take care of their teeth if they see you doing the same. Brush and floss together so your little one knows teeth are important. That also gives you a chance to make sure they’re using the correct techniques.
  4. Reward good behavior at the dentist. This will give your child something to look forward to as they lean back in the chair for their cleaning and exam and further promote positive associations with dentistry.

If you’re in the Waterford, Michigan area and would like to bring your child (or yourself) in for an appointment with our caring team members, contact our office today. We love all of our patients, both young and old!

The Way To Fastbraces

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The Way To Fastbraces

Orthodontics have come a long way since you were a teen. Gone are the days of headgear that conjured images of Frankenstein’s monster, “silverware” that covered the entire tooth, and years upon years of treatment. These days, there are alternatives. One alternative that we are proud to offer at Waterford Family Dental Care is Fastbraces, a speedy solution for crooked teeth.

Traditional Braces

While traditional braces have been effectively used for decades, they weren’t without faults. Traditional braces move teeth in two stages: the exposed tooth in one and the tooth root in another. This can result in treatments lasting years and years. That means more trips to the dentist or orthodontist, more time away from school or work, and more money for all of those appointments.

The Fastbraces Difference

Fastbraces have been used to correct bite problems for over 20 years. What makes Fastbraces unique is their shape; instead of a square bracket, Fastbraces utilizes triangular brackets. Another perk of Fastbraces is that they only require a single flexible wire, making them more subtle than traditional. The combination of bracket shape and wire allow both exposed tooth surfaces and roots to be moved at the same time. What might take over two years with traditional braces could take as little as six months with Fastbraces.

The Perks Continue

The most obvious benefit of Fastbraces is that you can have the smile you want in a fraction of the time, but the list goes on. Fastbraces also cost less than traditional braces and cause less discomfort (despite moving teeth at such a rapid rate). You have nothing to lose!

If you’d like to learn more about Fastbraces or the other restorative and cosmetic dentistry services we offer, contact Waterford Family Dental Care today to schedule an appointment. We proudly serve patients in Waterford, Michigan and the surrounding areas.

Have Happy Teeth This Halloween

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Have Happy Teeth This Halloween

Halloween is an amazing opportunity for families to create memories. The television specials, the costumes, the spooky music, the decorations, and that sweet sugary candy are all things kids (and their parents) look forward to. As your dentist, I would be remiss if I skipped out on this opportunity to tell you how to keep your teeth happy this Halloween. To keep your grin from looking like that of a jack-o-lantern, continue reading.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Not all treats are created equal, so to help you figure out which are the best for your teeth, I’ve divided them into three categories:

  • The Good – No matter what you eat, all candy should be enjoyed in moderation, but if I were pressed to name a candy that is good for you, I’d suggest dark chocolate. Dark chocolate has less sugar than other candies plus it contains flavanols and polyphenols that benefit your body. It melts as it’s eaten, so it’s not hard on teeth or dental work. It does have more caffeine than other chocolate, however, so you might consider limiting your consumption late at night.
  • The Bad – If it’s sticky (like Swedish Fish or gummy candies) or semi-hard (like Now and Laters or Mary Janes), it can damage your teeth. The sticky stuff gets stuck on your teeth where the sugar feeds the bacteria that causes tooth decay. The semi-hard candies can actually chip your teeth and damage dental work such as veneers and crowns. If you do indulge in any of these candies but can’t immediately access a toothbrush and floss, be sure to rinse your mouth out with water to minimize the effects of the sugars.
  • The Ugly – Kids LOVE sour candies, but they have the potential to cause the most damage. The sugary outer layer of sour candies is partially made from citric acid; like any other acidic food or drink, citric acid weakens tooth enamel. The gummy layer beneath is sticky (see above), but it doesn’t just stick to your teeth, it sticks to teeth with a compromised protective layer. If your kids (or you) can’t say no to sour treats, make sure they wait a while before brushing to give the enamel time to recover.

May you and your family have a happy Halloween! If you do have a candy-related tooth incident, I am here to help. Contact my office any time to schedule an appointment.

Is Snoring Making You Gain Weight?

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Is Snoring Making You Fat?

If you think your snoring is harmless, think again. If your snores are loud enough to make the windows rattle in their frames, the people in your house are probably being kept awake. If you snore persistently, you’re probably breathing through your mouth, thereby increasing the likelihood of bad breath. If you snore all night long and feel tired all day, every day, your snoring could be making you gain weight. What do the sounds you make as you sleep have to do with your waistline?

Apnea Again

I’ve mentioned the dangers of sleep apnea before, so you probably already know that those who suffer from obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are more likely to:

  • Have high blood pressure and strokes
  • Have diabetes
  • Have heart disease and heart attacks
  • Have accidents as a result of being over-tired

One thing you may not know is that OSA also causes weight gain. Here’s how:

  • When you’re sleep deprived, your body produces too much of the hormone ghrelin, which tells you that you’re hungry
  • Your body also produces too little of the hormone leptin, which sends a message that you’re full
  • When you’re constantly exhausted, you lack the energy your body needs to exercise
  • You also crave carbohydrates, which are processed by your body as sugar

It’s a Vicious Cycle

Being overweight is one of the risk factors of OSA, but it’s also a complication: Your apnea could improve if you lost weight, but you’re too tired to do anything that might help you do so. The only way to break the cycle is to seek treatment. If you’re diagnosed with sleep apnea, I can help by providing a customized oral appliance that will properly position your oral structures, allowing you to get the sleep that you need to thrive. The benefits of an oral appliance is that it is comfortable, portable, makes no noise, and is effective regardless of your sleeping position.

There is no reason to suffer from OSA symptoms when treatment is available. Put an end to the constant exhaustion, health concerns, and weight gain and call my office today.

Yours in health,

Dr. Shlom

It’s Affecting You More Than You Know

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It’s Affecting You More Than You Know

When you hear about smoking or using other tobacco products, it’s likely the first thing you think about is lung cancer. The truth is, using tobacco can cause a number of other health problems — many of which can affect your smile. If you are a smoker, you don’t need me to make you feel bad about it, but I do want to make sure you’re well-informed about the other ways tobacco can affect you. What are they and what can you do to prevent further damage?

Just the Facts

On the side of every cigarette pack is a warning from the surgeon general about smoking, reminding users that they are at an increased risk of cancer, heart disease, and complications during pregnancy. What the warning does not mention is the ways that smoking affects you every day.

  • Smoking leaves you with a decreased sense of smell and taste; if you’ve ever been told that you over-season food, it could be a direct result of using tobacco products
  • You can brush, chew gum, and crunch on mints all you want, but smoking causes persistent bad breath
  • Not only does smoking stain your teeth, it stains your tongue as well
  • Those who smoke generally take longer to heal from illnesses and medical procedures
  • Smokers are also more likely to experience gum disease, which is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults

The same goes for cigars and smokeless tobacco. In fact, sugars are sometimes added to smokeless tobacco to enhance the flavor, further increasing the likelihood of tooth decay and gum disease. With or without inhalation, your oral tissues are exposed to toxins that have been linked to cancer; when you inhale or swallow these toxins, the rest of your body is affected.

And Then There’s Cancer

All tobacco products can cause cancer, and while lung cancer is the most frequently discussed form, there are others that few people think about. These include esophageal, laryngeal, mouth, lip, and tongue cancers — all of which can result in death. What’s more, depending on the location and severity of the cancer, the treatments themselves can be painful and sometimes disfiguring.

If you smoke, it’s more important than ever that you come in for regular visits. The cleanings will help save your teeth and gums, and the examination could potentially save your life, as I screen for oral cancers. I promise — no lectures, no judgment; you keep your appointments and I’ll help keep you healthy.

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