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If you’re part of the Baby Boomer generation (ages 60–75) or older, then your dental health may not be high on your priority list. Maybe you’re dealing with other health issues, or maybe you believe that whatever chance you had to protect your oral health is long gone. However, it’s never too late to practice better oral hygiene so you can have a healthier smile. This is the last blog post in our Oral Hygiene Tips blog series. Throughout this series, we’ve explored the different oral health risks people must face at different stages of life. Our West Michigan family dentists have helped patients of all generations improve their oral health and protect their smiles. Previously, we’ve looked at oral hygiene tips for children, Gen Z, millennials, and Generation X. Now, let’s take a look at what Baby Boomers and seniors in general can do to protect their smiles against certain oral health risks. Oral Health Risks for Baby Boomers Although seniors may be at risk for more oral health problems, every patient is different. A lifetime of good oral hygiene habits can go a long way in protecting your smile as you enter retirement. However, some health risks strike...

If you’re in your forties or fifties—part of what’s more popularly known as Generation X, or Gen X for short—then you probably feel pretty confident about your oral health. After all, you’ve been brushing and flossing for literal decades, and dental treatments like dentures still feel far off in the future. What could you possibly need to worry about? But even middle-aged adults still have a thing or two to learn about oral hygiene. As we age and change, so do our teeth and gums. Each stage of life presents new challenges to maintaining a healthy smile. In our Oral Hygiene Tips blog series, we’re examining the oral health risks and healthy practices of different generations. Our West Michigan family dentists have helped patients of all ages achieve healthier smiles. Previously, we’ve looked at oral hygiene tips for children, Gen Z, and millennials. Now, let’s take a look at what oral health risks await Generation X (ages, 40–59, for our purposes). Oral Health Risks for Middle Age Even if you’ve been practicing good oral hygiene habits for decades, your age puts you at an increased risk for certain health issues. For Gen Xers, you’ll need to keep an eye out...

Millennials are now the largest generational cohort in America. They include everyone from young adults graduating from college to CEOs of Fortune 500 companies to parents leading PTA meetings. They also, unfortunately, include adults dealing with more serious oral health issues, possibly for the first time. In our Oral Hygiene Tips blog series, we’re examining the oral health risks and healthy practices of different generations. Our West Michigan family dentists have helped patients of all ages achieve healthier smiles. Previously, we’ve looked at oral hygiene tips for children as well as preteens and teenagers. Now, let’s take a look at the state of oral health for the millennial generation (ages 20–39, for our purposes). Oral Health Concerns for Millennials In general, there are two major oral health risks to keep an eye on as you enter your twenties and thirties: Gum disease Stress-related oral health issues Periodontal Disease Periodontal disease (also known as gum disease) can strike at any age, but it becomes particularly prevalent at this stage of life. In fact, nearly half of all adults ages 30 and older have some form of periodontal disease, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Specifically, you’ll want...

Adolescence is famous for being a season of change, especially in the body. However, many people forget that your oral health needs also change during this time. The oral hygiene tips you learned as a child may need to be tweaked or expanded to serve you well as a teenager. In our Oral Hygiene Tips blog series, we’re diving deep into the oral health concerns you should be aware of at every age. Our West Michigan family dentists are eager to help patients adopt new oral health practices at different life stages. Our first blog dealt with oral health risks and hygiene tips for children. In this blog, let’s take a look at common risks and practices for Generation Z, commonly known simply as Gen Z. (Although Gen Z typically includes anyone born after 1996, for our purposes, we’re focusing on the preteens and teenagers of this generation: ages 10–19). Oral Health Concerns for Preteens and Teenagers Preteens and teenagers need to pay special attention to the following aspects of their dental health: Dental emergencies Orthodontic treatment Eating disorders Gum disease and oral cancer Dental Emergencies It’s estimated that three out of four American households have at least one school-aged...

Did you know that different oral health risks occur at different ages? That means you’ll need new oral hygiene habits and dental treatments at different stages of your life. In our Oral Hygiene Tips blog series, we’re taking a look at the kinds of oral health issues you should expect and the habits you should practice at certain ages. Our West Michigan family dentists will be there for you every step of the way. For our first blog, let’s discuss some oral health risks and hygiene tips for children. Oral Health Risks for Children The two most common health risks for young children are cavities and common dental emergencies. Cavities 42% of children ages 2 to 11 have had dental caries (cavities) in their baby teeth. While this statistic is troubling, you may be thinking, “Wait a minute — why does it matter if cavities form in baby teeth? Aren’t they going to fall out anyway?” While it’s true that baby teeth (also known as primary teeth) aren’t permanent, that doesn’t mean tooth decay is less of a problem. We have to treat cavities in children’s primary teeth so their adult teeth will emerge correctly. Also, untreated cavities in primary...

Invisa-what? Invisalign is a form of clear aligners used in orthodontics to straighten teeth. Think of them like braces… just better. Now, I don’t just say that without proof.  Here’s why Invisalign would win in a cage match against braces: 1. Growing up did you ever dream of having a superpower? Maybe it was flying or super strength, but what about invisibility? Invisalign gives your teeth just that… like its name implies they are virtually invisible. Sure it’s not a real superpower, but it beats traditional braces, which are definitely NOT invisible! 2. Think to yourself, “do I like… popcorn at the movies eating my kid’s hard candy from Halloween while they sleep the redeeming quality of gum after a few pieces of garlic bread starting my day with a freshly toasted bagel downing a bag of chips while watching Sunday night football Or what about nuts, ice (I mean come on... ICE?), chewy candy, pizza crust, crunchy vegetables and fruits, hard crackers, pretzels, etc.” Chew on that, no pun intended. Those are all pulled from a list titled, “Foods To Completely Avoid With Braces.” Guess who wins round 2 of the Invisalign vs. Braces cage match? You guessed it - Invisalign. All of those...

Dental emergencies can be just as urgent and dangerous as other health emergencies. However, you don’t have to wait until you’re experiencing a dental emergency before you take action. There’s plenty you can do while your smile is still healthy to prevent dental emergencies from happening in the first place: Commit to practicing good oral hygiene habits Use fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinse Consider changing your diet Learn healthy strategies for managing stress Don’t ignore toothaches 1. Commit to Practicing Good Oral Hygiene Habits If you decide to adopt just one preventative practice, make it this one. Practicing good oral hygiene is one of the best things you can do to prevent dental emergencies. What is good oral hygiene? Our definition, informed by recommendations from the American Dental Association (ADA), includes three easy habits: Brushing your teeth for two minutes, twice a day Flossing daily Getting your teeth professionally cleaned every six months Brushing and flossing get rid of plaque, which is a thin layer of bacteria that damages your teeth and can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. Most plaque can be removed by brushing and flossing, but any plaque that’s left behind can develop into tartar, which...

Good oral hygiene is the foundation of your oral health. That means brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and scheduling a teeth cleaning every six months. But if you’re already brushing and flossing, why do you need a teeth cleaning? Do you really need to see the dentist twice a year? The answer is yes — for the most part. Here are a few reasons why you should see your dentist every six months. Get a Stronger, More Thorough Teeth Cleaning Brushing and flossing on your own is critical in preventing tooth decay and gum disease. Plaque, the slick film you feel on your teeth in the morning, forms naturally every day, and brushing and flossing is the only way to get rid of it. If you don’t brush and floss, then bacteria will consume the plaque and produce acids that will wear down your teeth and gums. Plaque that builds up over time eventually turns into tartar, a harder substance that can’t be removed with at-home oral hygiene habits. Even if you’re a devoted brusher and flosser, there may be parts of your teeth that are difficult to reach where plaque can build up over time, turning...

You may have considered what it would cost to have a healthy smile, but what does an unhealthy smile cost you? When you consider the effects of an unhealthy smile, perhaps you think of crooked or discolored teeth, bad breath, or even tooth loss. But a lack of oral hygiene can lead to health problems beyond those in your mouth. Your body is made of interconnected systems, and the mouth serves as the primary gateway for what enters the body. That means that an unhealthy mouth can result in health problems elsewhere in your body. Similarly, the mouth can serve as a diagnostic tool for other health issues that seem to have little to do with your smile. How Your Oral Health Affects Your Body’s Health Did you know your mouth is full of bacteria? Don’t worry — for the most part, this is actually a good thing! A healthy mouth needs to have enough good bacteria to fight off disease-carrying microorganisms that may enter the mouth when you breathe, drink, or eat.  Unfortunately, not all bacteria in your mouth are quite so beneficial. Plaque forms naturally on your teeth when you consume sugar or carbohydrates. If not brushed or...

We all want our smile to last for years to come. But what can we do to prevent oral health issues like gum disease, tooth decay, and more? Here are three simple ways you can protect your smile: Brush your teeth twice a day Floss daily Get your teeth cleaned twice a year 1. Brush Your Teeth Twice a Day Someone probably told you as a child to brush your teeth twice a day. Maybe it was your parent or a teacher or a pediatric dentist. Whoever it was, they gave you great advice that you can follow for the rest of your life. Brushing your teeth twice a day is as important in adulthood as it was during your childhood. The reason is because brushing your teeth helps get rid of plaque. Plaque forms when carbohydrates and sugars are left on your teeth. Certain bacteria in your mouth feed on plaque and produce acid as a result. This acid then eats away at the hard, protective outer layer of your teeth known as enamel, causing tooth decay. You may recognize plaque as the fuzzy feeling on your teeth and/or tongue in the morning before you brush your teeth. Fortunately,...

Throughout childhood, losing a tooth isn’t usually a cause for concern — in fact, if the Tooth Fairy is involved, it may even be a cause for celebration. But losing a tooth as an adult can be a stressful situation. Often, losing an adult tooth is either the result of an underlying oral health issue, like tooth decay, or some kind of traumatic accident, like a sports injury. If you’ve lost a tooth, your best course of action is often to replace it. At MI Smiles Dental, we offer a variety of teeth replacement options so you can pick the procedure that’s best for you and your smile. To replace a single tooth, we can use a dental crown, a dental bridge, or a dental implant. Dental Crowns Dental crowns are the best option for people who have only lost part of their tooth. Crowns don’t technically replace teeth; they simply cover them like a cap. If your tooth has been chipped or cracked, a crown can easily fit on top of it and restore the functionality of that tooth. Crowns are also great options if your tooth is still intact but fragile, such as a tooth with a large...

Our own sleep habits can remain a mystery to us. We may need a disgruntled partner or roommate to enlighten us to the truth about something mild, like snoring, to something more serious, like grinding or clenching your teeth. Bruxism is the act of grinding or clenching your teeth, especially at nighttime. Many people who suffer from bruxism can be completely unaware that they have an actual, treatable health condition. In fact, studies have shown that as many as eight percent of adults and a third of children grind their teeth at night. While a complaint from an outside observer can be helpful, it’s not the only form of diagnosis. There are other signs you can watch out for if you think you may suffer from bruxism. Signs You May Clench or Grind Your Teeth Grinding or clenching can result in serious problems for your teeth if left untreated. If you think you may grind or clench at night, keep on the lookout for symptoms such as: Chipped or cracked teeth Headaches Facial pain Tense jaw muscles Popping or clicking sounds in your jaw Beyond these symptoms, there are other signs of bruxism that dentists are trained to find, including:...

Do your holiday plans include a trip to the dentist? They should. Most insurance companies give you a certain amount to spend on dental care each year. However, you could be missing out on these dental benefits if you don’t see your dentist at least twice a year for preventive care. Scheduling your appointment near the end of the year is the perfect way to make sure you take full advantage of your dental benefits. Reasons to Use Dental Benefits Use It or Lose It Most insurance companies give you an annual amount to spend on dental care. If you don’t use your benefits, they’re gone forever. Year-end visits are the best way to use all of the dental benefits you can. If you’ve been putting off your next appointment because you were afraid of what we might find, schedule your appointment before the end of the year. Our dentists and the American Dental Association recommend you have a teeth cleaning every six months. A teeth cleaning and oral examination allows us to monitor your health. Since your policy most likely covers the full cost of preventive dentistry, there’s no reason not to use your benefits as much as you...

When something goes wrong with your teeth, it can be hard to know whether you should see an emergency dentist immediately or if you can afford to wait. Fortunately, our office now proudly offers virtual dental e-visits for situations when you’re pressed for time or unsure if you should make an in-person appointment.  You can now have a consultation with one of our emergency dentists from the comfort of your own home! Here’s what you need to know about teledentistry, the latest innovation from our office. What Is Teledentistry? Teledentistry is an innovative way to access convenient dental care when you need it most, using your computer, tablet, or phone. Similar to telemedicine, it’s like a dental visit that takes place online. It works like a video call: our team will be able to see you, take a look at whatever issue you’re experiencing, and counsel you through a dental emergency or concern. Our emergency dentists can provide any of the following services through our teledentistry platform: Second opinions on your dental care Advice about your cosmetic dentistry options Follow-ups after recent procedures (crowns, fillings, tooth extractions, etc.) Periodic Invisalign® progress check-ins Consultations regarding recommended or desired treatment New patient...

You don’t have to be afraid of wisdom teeth surgery! At MI Smiles Dental, our wisdom teeth dentists are here to help your surgery and wisdom teeth recovery process be stress-free. Below we have a few ways to make the healing process go as smoothly as possible. Prepare Before Surgery Not only do we want you to have a comfortable dental experience in one of our four West Michigan offices, but we want you to be comfortable at home as well. Before you even come in for oral surgery, there are a lot of things you can do to prepare yourself for the recovery. One of the most important things you can do is make sure your recovery space is set up before you get home. Setting everything up after your wisdom teeth surgery can be a major hassle. You’re going to want to sit down, rest, and not fuss with blankets, pillows, or your comfy armchair. Queue Netflix It may sound silly, but a good movie can help your recovery process because movies help us relax. Try watching a movie after oral surgery. Maybe you have a long, ever-growing list on Netflix. Or maybe there’s that show everyone at...

Losing one of your teeth affects your confidence and oral health. The good news is that our West Michigan dentists will be able to determine if you’re a candidate for dental implants. Getting a dental implant not only restores the look of your smile, but also the function of your teeth. That means you’ll be able to eat your favorite foods again with confidence. What Are Dental Implants? A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth root that supports a crown, filling the gap in your smile. Our dentists know that dental implants are far more beneficial than other forms of dental reconstruction. Consisting of titanium rods that bond with the natural bone in the jaw, dental implants are stronger and support the teeth and the bite. The implant is firmly rooted onto the jawbone, in the same way that a tooth is bonded through the tooth’s roots. This artificial root keeps the implant stable and secure, much like a real tooth, so it doesn’t move under pressure. It enables the jaw and teeth to move and bite down properly. How Do Missing Teeth Affect My Diet? Eating becomes challenging when your teeth are not prepared to chew food adequately.  While...

The goal of cosmetic dentistry is to improve the appearance of the teeth that show when you smile and talk. If you’ve ever felt self-conscious about your smile, you owe it to yourself to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists.  We offer a range of services for cosmetic dentistry so you can start smiling with confidence. Cosmetic dentistry is able to treat: Crooked teeth Slight gaps between teeth Chipped tooth Cracked tooth Tooth discoloration Other minor damage to front teeth Teeth Bonding Dental bonding is one of the more affordable smile makeovers that’s used to fix small stains, chips, cracks, and even cavities. Our dentists may also recommend teeth bonding to close small gaps in your smile. We use a composite resin (tooth-colored putty) to restore the strength and appearance of your teeth. Teeth Reshaping Do you have a slightly misshapen tooth? If so, our dentists may recommend teeth reshaping. During this procedure, we’ll use a laser or drill to gently remove tooth enamel. By removing enamel, we’re able to effectively reshape the tooth so it’s more aesthetically pleasing. White Fillings If you have a cavity, one of our dentists will need to drill out the tooth decay...

As a dental practice that offers both dental implants and dentures, we’re often asked about the best ways to replace missing teeth. The tooth replacement options you explore with our dentists will ultimately depend on your oral health, budget, and personal preference. Let’s take a look at the differences between getting dentures and getting dental implants. Our West Michigan restorative dentists are happy to answer any questions you may have about either procedure. Dentures Dentures are an oral appliance made to look and function like natural teeth. We can help you explore the different types of dentures available, including partial, complete, conventional, and immediate dentures. Depending on the extent of tooth loss, our dentists may recommend a full or partial denture. While a full denture replaces an entire arch of teeth, a partial denture only replaces a few teeth.  Dentures sit on top of your gums and must be removed before you go to sleep so your gums have a chance to recover. When you’re not wearing your dentures, they’ll need to be submerged in a glass of water or denture cleanser so they don’t dry out, crack, and warp. Dental Implants A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth root...

It’s never too late to get the smile you’ve always wanted. Ask our Invisalign® dentists if you’re a candidate for clear aligner treatment. We often recommend Invisalign braces for teenagers and adults who have crooked teeth and other issues that can be corrected with orthodontic treatment. Are you a candidate for Invisalign braces? Call our office to schedule a consultation with one of our dentists. We’re always more than happy to answer any questions you might have. In the meantime, here are some of the reasons you may be a good candidate for Invisalign. 1. You're Motivated to Straighten Your Teeth If you’ve ever felt self-conscious of your smile, you’re likely to be highly motivated to wear your aligners as directed by one of our Invisalign dentists. For Invisalign to be effective, you must wear your aligners at least 20 to 22 hours a day. This means that you’ll only be able to remove your aligners during meals and while brushing teeth. Invisalign aligners exert pressure on teeth to move them into their final positions. During the first day or so of wearing new aligners, you’ll feel this pressure on your teeth. However, many of our patients feel that this...

Invisalign® can straighten your teeth in as little as 12 to 18 months. But that doesn't mean that you won't experience some discomfort during treatment. Fortunately, our Invisalign dentists are here to answer all your questions! Invisalign braces work because they exert constant pressure on your teeth. You may especially feel discomfort during the first 2 to 3 days of wearing new aligners. Continue reading to learn how to make Invisalign more comfortable. Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers Are you getting a new set of clear aligners soon? If so, take some over-the-counter pain relievers before your appointment with us. That way, the medication will have enough time to take effect before you wear your new aligners. Some common over-the-counter pain relievers include ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and naproxen. Switch to New Aligners Before Sleeping Sometimes it's easier to ignore pain while you're asleep. If you're one of those people, switch to your new aligners right before bed. That way, you'll be able to get through the first few hours while you're unconscious. You may also want to take pain relievers to help reduce any discomfort before drifting off to sleep. Use Cold Compresses Holding a cold compress up to your cheek can...

Many of our patients prefer dental implants to replace missing teeth. Dental implants are embedded in your jawbone to give you more stability than other tooth replacement options. Continue reading to learn the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions our dentists get about the dental implant procedure. What are dental implants? A dental implant is a prosthetic tooth root (typically made of titanium) used to anchor a porcelain crown. If you have missing teeth, your dentist may recommend dental implants to restore the appearance and function of your smile. What are the benefits of dental implants? Unlike other tooth replacement options, dental implants are anchored to your jawbone for long-lasting stability. This means that you’ll never have to worry about your dental implants moving like you would with dentures. With dental implants, you’ll be able to eat all your favorite foods again. Your jawbone needs pressure from tooth roots in order to stay healthy. Otherwise, missing teeth and tooth roots will cause your jawbone to deteriorate over time. Dental implants fix this problem by giving your jawbone tissue the stimulation it needs to stay healthy. Dental implants prevent jawbone deterioration, as well as further tooth loss. What...

Sometimes when you have a dental emergency, you need to get a dentist’s opinion right away. However, it’s not always convenient to stop by the dentist’s office. When you need a dentist fast, teledentistry is here to help! With our new teledentistry platform you can virtually chat with one of our dentists anytime, anywhere. Here are just a few times when our emergency dentists might recommend teledentistry to suit your needs. After-Hours Emergencies According to the American Dental Association, most emergency rooms do not have dentists on staff to properly treat dental emergencies. Instead, they can only prescribe painkillers and sometimes antibiotics that do not treat the source of the patient’s pain. 39% of these patients must return to the emergency room at some point to seek further treatment, as their dental needs are not adequately addressed. On top of that, emergency room visits are expensive. Dental-related visits to the ER can cost anywhere from $400 to $1500, depending on the treatment. An e-visit with our emergency dentists, on the other hand, is just $49—a small charge that is automatically credited towards your dental treatment if you need to come in for a follow-up visit. Emergencies When You’re Busy Whether...