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The Importance of Flossing: A Lifelong Commitment to Oral Health

Posts Tagged ‘Dentists’

 

The Importance of Flossing: A Lifelong Commitment to Oral Health

Posted on: November 1st, 2023 by admin

Maintaining optimal oral health is a commitment that pays off for a lifetime. At Lifetime Dental Group, we believe in empowering our patients with knowledge and habits that contribute to their well-being. Today, let’s delve into the unsung hero of oral care – flossing. Often underestimated, regular flossing is a crucial step towards achieving a healthy, radiant smile.

The Importance of Flossing:

flossing teethBeyond the Brush:
While brushing is essential for cleaning the surfaces of your teeth, it often cannot reach the tight spaces between them. Dental floss becomes the unsung hero, effectively cleaning those areas where your toothbrush bristles can’t reach.

Plaque Patrol:
Dental plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, forms continuously on your teeth. Flossing is your powerful ally in removing plaque from between teeth and along the gum line, preventing it from hardening into tartar, which can lead to gum disease.

Gum Health Matters:
Flossing isn’t just about preventing cavities; it’s also about maintaining healthy gums. Regular flossing helps prevent gingivitis, reducing inflammation, and promoting strong, resilient gums.

Cavity Defense:
Cavities often develop between teeth where bacteria can thrive. By flossing daily, you remove the food particles and bacteria, reducing the risk of cavities and promoting overall dental health.

Fresh Breath Assurance:
Flossing is an effective way to remove food particles that can get trapped between teeth, contributing to bad breath. Incorporating flossing into your daily routine ensures a fresher breath and boosts your confidence in social interactions.

Tips for Effective Flossing:

Choose the Right Floss:
Different types of dental floss are available, including waxed and unwaxed, flavored and unflavored. Choose the one that you find most comfortable to use consistently.

Technique Matters:
Gently slide the floss between your teeth, following the natural curve of each tooth. Be cautious not to snap or force the floss, as this can harm your gums. Curve the floss into a C-shape around each tooth and slide it up and down.

Make it a Routine:
Establishing a daily flossing routine is key. Whether you prefer flossing before or after brushing, consistency is crucial for reaping the long-term benefits.

 

At Lifetime Dental Group, we encourage our patients to view oral health as an ongoing commitment. Flossing is a simple yet powerful practice that can significantly impact your overall well-being. By embracing this habit, you’re taking a proactive step towards a lifetime of healthy smiles. Schedule an appointment with us, and let’s work together to achieve and maintain optimal oral health for you and your family.

Remember, a few minutes spent flossing each day can lead to a lifetime of smiles!

#LifetimeDental #OralHealth #Flossing #DentalCare #HealthySmiles

Smiles Above the Rest: Why Lifetime Dental is Your Top Choice for Dentistry in Canton

Posted on: October 1st, 2023 by admin

Choosing the right dentist is a crucial decision for your oral health journey, and in Canton, Michigan, Lifetime Dental stands out as a beacon of excellence. As your dedicated dental partner, we take pride in providing unparalleled care that goes beyond expectations. In this blog post, let’s explore why Lifetime Dental is the best dentist office in Canton, offering a unique blend of expertise, compassion, and innovation.

Comprehensive, Patient-Centric Care:
At Lifetime Dental, we prioritize your overall well-being. Our commitment to comprehensive care means that we address not only your immediate dental needs but also consider your long-term oral health goals. We take the time to listen to your concerns, ensuring a personalized and patient-centric approach to every aspect of your dental care.

Experienced and Skilled Dental Professionals:
Our team of experienced dental professionals brings a wealth of knowledge and skill to the practice. From general dentistry to specialized treatments, we are equipped to meet a diverse range of dental needs. Continuing education is a priority for our team, ensuring that we stay abreast of the latest advancements in dentistry to provide you with the best possible care.

Cutting-Edge Technology for Superior Treatment:
Lifetime Dental embraces state-of-the-art dental technologies to enhance the quality and efficiency of our treatments. From digital diagnostics and 3D imaging to advanced treatment modalities like laser dentistry, our commitment to innovation ensures that you receive the benefits of the latest advancements in dental care.

Comfortable and Modern Facilities:
We understand that a comfortable environment plays a significant role in your dental experience. Our modern, inviting facilities are designed to put you at ease from the moment you walk through our doors. Our treatment rooms are equipped with the latest technology, creating an atmosphere that reflects our dedication to excellence.

Transparent Communication and Education:
Transparent communication is a cornerstone of our patient-centered approach. We believe in keeping you well-informed about your oral health, treatment options, and financial considerations. Our team is always ready to answer your questions, ensuring that you feel empowered and confident in making decisions about your dental care.

Community-Focused, Family-Friendly Practice:
Lifetime Dental is more than just a dental office; we are a part of the Canton community. We value the relationships we build with our patients and their families, fostering a sense of trust and reliability. Our family-friendly atmosphere makes dental visits enjoyable for patients of all ages, creating a positive impact on the oral health of our community.

Lifetime Dental in Canton, Michigan, stands out as the premier choice for comprehensive, compassionate, and innovative dental care. Our commitment to excellence, experienced professionals, and patient-focused approach make us the best dentist office in the area. Schedule your appointment with us today and experience the difference that a dedicated and caring dental team can make in your smile journey.

Remember, your smile deserves the best, and at Lifetime Dental, we’re here to deliver just that!

#LifetimeDental #CantonDentist #TopChoiceDentistry #PatientCenteredCare #InnovativeDentistry

Unraveling the Importance of Flossing: A Lifelong Commitment to Oral Health with Lifetime Dental

Posted on: September 1st, 2023 by admin

 

Maintaining optimal oral health is a commitment that pays off for a lifetime. At Lifetime Dental Group, we believe in empowering our patients with knowledge and habits that contribute to their well-being. Today, let’s delve into the unsung hero of oral care – flossing. Often underestimated, regular flossing is a crucial step towards achieving a healthy, radiant smile.

The Importance of Flossing:

Beyond the Brush:
While brushing is essential for cleaning the surfaces of your teeth, it often cannot reach the tight spaces between them. Dental floss becomes the unsung hero, effectively cleaning those areas where your toothbrush bristles can’t reach.

Plaque Patrol:
Dental plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, forms continuously on your teeth. Flossing is your powerful ally in removing plaque from between teeth and along the gumline, preventing it from hardening into tartar, which can lead to gum disease.

Gum Health Matters:
Flossing isn’t just about preventing cavities; it’s also about maintaining healthy gums. Regular flossing helps in preventing gingivitis, reducing inflammation, and promoting strong, resilient gums.

Cavity Defense:
Cavities often develop between teeth where bacteria can thrive. By flossing daily, you remove the food particles and bacteria, reducing the risk of cavities and promoting overall dental health.

Fresh Breath Assurance:
Flossing is an effective way to remove food particles that can get trapped between teeth, contributing to bad breath. Incorporating flossing into your daily routine ensures a fresher breath and boosts your confidence in social interactions.

Tips for Effective Flossing:

Choose the Right Floss:
Different types of dental floss are available, including waxed and unwaxed, flavored and unflavored. Choose the one that you find most comfortable to use consistently.

Technique Matters:
Gently slide the floss between your teeth, following the natural curve of each tooth. Be cautious not to snap or force the floss, as this can harm your gums. Curve the floss into a C-shape around each tooth and slide it up and down.

Make it a Routine:
Establishing a daily flossing routine is key. Whether you prefer flossing before or after brushing, consistency is crucial for reaping the long-term benefits.

 

At Lifetime Dental Group, we encourage our patients to view oral health as an ongoing commitment. Flossing is a simple yet powerful practice that can significantly impact your overall well-being. By embracing this habit, you’re taking a proactive step towards a lifetime of healthy smiles. Schedule an appointment with us, and let’s work together to achieve and maintain optimal oral health for you and your family.

Remember, a few minutes spent flossing each day can lead to a lifetime of smiles!

#LifetimeDental #OralHealth #Flossing #DentalCare #HealthySmiles

Lifetime Dental Group celebrates the opening of 6,000-square-foot West Bloomfield facility

Posted on: February 1st, 2023 by admin

Lifetime Dental Group celebrates the opening of 6,000-square-foot West Bloomfield facility.

The 6,000-square-foot state-of-the-art dental facility marks the third location for the growing practice, which has two more locations in South Lyon and Canton. The latter is the original practice opened in 1999, which was originally called David N Kam DDS PC.

“We owe it to the community,” the dentist explains. “The community supports us and we should support them.”

Yet his values go beyond simply a love for supporting Metro Detroit and beyond. In fact, Kam says it’s the driving factor behind his business values.

“We lived in a very Conservative household, knowing right from wrong,” he explains. “The values that I learned growing up, I implemented those same values in my business.”

Kam prides his practice on one distinguishing trait: honesty. “I started my business with nothing,” he recalls, “not even one patient. To grow so big, it’s because we treat people how people deserve to be treated. We do good, honest work at a fair price.”

Between its three offices, Lifetime Dental Group sees close to 25,000 patients and has 60 professionals on staff. Oftentimes, the practice will see people in need who can’t afford standard dental fees.

“That’s what we’ve done for the last 25 years or so,” he says.

Honest Business Values

The new West Bloomfield facility is the latest contribution to the Metro Detroit community and beyond, which Kam says makes dental visits easier for patients in the West Bloomfield or Bloomfield Hills area who previously drove to Canton or South Lyon.

Opened in October, Lifetime Dental Group’s West Bloomfield location is the practice’s most advanced office yet. “It’s high-tech and has every state-of-the-art technology in dentistry,” Kam explains.

This includes special X-ray machines that are able to take X-rays outside of patients’ mouths, digital scanners to create impressions and even massage chairs in every room at the West Bloomfield office.

The goal? To help patients feel more comfortable. “We have digital X-rays, which use 90% less radiation than regular X-rays,” Kam says. “We have the latest in sterilization techniques to make sure that everything is 100% sterile and clean.”

Offering trustworthy services, Kam explains, is the key to being successful in dentistry.

“We are honest,” he says of what keeps his patients coming back year after year. “When people come to us for a second opinion after seeing another dentist, we often find they don’t need [expensive services] that other dentists have recommended.”

This saves patients time, energy and above all, hard-earned money. “Dentistry is a very ethical field,” Kam explains, “that people should take an oath for. So, we’re ethical.”

An honest mindset is shared by Kam and everyone who works at the practice, he says. Lifetime Dental Group also offers a Lifetime Dental Discount Plan that serves as an alternative to traditional dental insurance for those who don’t have it, since dental work can be pricey without some type of insurance or discount plan in place.

The discount plan, Kam explains, was a cornerstone of wanting to form his own practice after earning his doctorate from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry in 1996.

“I had a philosophy where I knew what I wanted,” he says, “and that was opening an office where if you don’t have dental insurance, we could have a good, in-office discount plan, and an office that takes most insurance networks.”

Now nearly 25 years after launching his dream practice, Kam says he and his team have achieved that goal. “We provide excellent service without cutting any corners.”

Changing One Smile at A Time

Currently, Lifetime Dental Group offers a number of services that include teeth cleanings and fillings, dental X-rays, root canals, dental crowns and bridges, and dental implants. They also treat gum disease, dental emergencies and perform dental extractions.

Kam explains there are orthodontists, endodontists and periodontists available to see in their practices, which isn’t common for general dental offices to have on staff.

Yet amongst many services and specialties, Kam says the most rewarding part of the job is the ability to change or improve a person’s smile.

“We do a lot of smile makeovers where we transform people’s smiles,” he explains. This can include people who have broken teeth, stained teeth and other concerns that might prevent them from wanting to smile. “We give them a beautiful movie-star smile.”

Kam says some patients have even been in tears to see the results. “Whether they’re a grown man or a young woman, they just can’t believe how happy they are,” he describes.

For many, smiles are an extremely personal trait. “It’s changed their lives. They could smile now, and they feel confident. Their teeth look good, and they feel good in return.”

Maintaining A Philosophy

These important and often life-changing relationships that Kam and his staff build is what makes patients stay with Lifetime Dental Group over the decades.

Brian Kaufman of Bloomfield Hills, who has been a patient at Lifetime Dental Group for five years, says the practice’s attention to every detail is what makes them stand out.

“They’re always available and happy to help when needed,” he says. “There are no expenses spared to provide every patient with the most advanced technology.”

It’s a feeling, Kaufman says, that patients can experience from the lobby when they walk in through the front door to each treatment room. “Everything is done with the patients’ comfort in mind,” he adds.

Robyn Presser, 53 of West Bloomfield, agrees. “Lifetime Dental Group has been more than just a dental office to myself, my husband and my two boys,” she says. “It’s a part of our family.” A “lifetime,” she explains, is exactly how long she’d like to be a patient.

“They make you feel comfortable and at home,” she continues. “The decor, machines, technology and staff are all state-of-the-art.”

Kam says that if all goes well with the new West Bloomfield location, he plans to continue expanding Lifetime Dental Group shortly.

“We have the same philosophy,” Kam says of every expansion. “To provide the best service at the best price.”

Dental Health and Your Overall Health

Posted on: September 21st, 2020 by admin

The condition of your mouth is closely tied to your overall health. Find out how oral health is linked to diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and more.

Taking care of your teeth isn’t just about having a nice smile and pleasant breath. Recent research has found a number of links between oral health and overall health. While in many cases, the nature of this link still isn’t clear — researchers have yet to conclude whether the connections are causal or correlative — what is certain is that the condition of your mouth is closely tied to your overall physical health.

Oral Health and Diabetes

Doctors have known for years that type 2 diabetics have an increased incidence of periodontitis or gum disease. In July 2008 the connection was further highlighted: Researchers at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health followed 9,296 nondiabetic participants, measuring their level of periodontic bacteria over the course of 20 years. “We found that people who had higher levels of periodontal disease had a twofold risk of developing type 2 diabetes over that time period compared to people with low levels or no gum disease,” explains Ryan Demmer, PhD, associate researcher at the department of epidemiology at the Mailman School and the lead author. While more research is needed before doctors can conclude that gum disease actually leads to diabetes, there are already a few theories about why this might be the case: One proposes that when infections in your mouth get bad enough, they can lead to low-grade inflammation throughout your body, which in turn wreaks havoc on your sugar-processing abilities. “There are all kinds of inflammatory molecules,” says Dr. Demmer, “and it’s believed that maybe some attach to insulin receptors and prevent the body’s cells from using the insulin to get glucose into the cell.”

South Lyon Michigan Dentist - Dental Health and Your Overall Health

Oral Health and Heart Disease

As with diabetes, the connection between poor oral health and cardiovascular conditions has been recognized — the two are often found together — but it still hasn’t been determined conclusively whether or not there is a direct causal relationship between them. (One reason is that there are a number of other potential risk factors — such as smoking and old age — that can lead both to gum disease and heart disease.) However, in a 2005 study funded by the NIH, 1,056 randomly selected participants with no prior heart attacks or strokes were evaluated for levels of periodontal bacteria: After removing the effects of the other risk factors of age, gender, and smoking, it was found that there was an independent relationship between gum disease and heart disease, says Moise Desvarieux, MD, PhD, associate professor of epidemiology at the Mailman School and lead author of the study. One theory about why this may occur, says Dr. Desvarieux, is that small amounts of bacteria enter your bloodstream while you’re chewing. “Bad” bacteria from an infected mouth may lodge itself inside blood vessels, ultimately causing dangerous blockages. Strengthening his theory is the fact that when scientists have looked at atherosclerotic blood vessels, they have sometimes found fragments of periodontal bacteria. Meanwhile, a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2007 established that aggressive treatment of gum disease reduces the incidence of atherosclerosis within six months.

Pregnancy Complications and Gum Disease

For many pregnant women, gum infections stem from the fluctuating hormone levels that come with pregnancy, says Marsha Rubin, DDS, practicing diplomat of special-care dentistry at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell, who sees many pregnant patients in her practice. Others neglect their oral care during pregnancy since they have much on their minds, she adds. But that’s a mistake: Scientists believe that gum disease or inflammation in the mouth possibly triggers an increase in a chemical compound called prostaglandin, which induces early labor. While this theory has not yet been confirmed, a 2001 study found that pregnant women who develop gum disease between weeks 21 and 24 are four to seven times more likely to give birth before week 37. There is evidence that poor gum health in the extreme can lead to low birth weight as well. A number of studies — including a 2007 study of 3,567 Turkish women and a 2007 study of 1,305 Brazilian women — found a relationship between periodontal disease, preterm birth, and low birth weight.

Pneumonia and Gum Disease

There has been a link established between poor oral health and pneumonia, though much of the research focuses on high-risk populations. A 2008 study of elderly participants found that the number who developed pneumonia was 3.9 times higher in patients with periodontal infection than in those free from it. “The lungs are very close to the mouth,” says Rubin. “Even in a healthy mouth there is lots of bacteria, but bacteria in a not-healthy mouth can get aspirated into the lungs, causing pneumonia or aggravating COPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder.” Several intervention studies cited by the CDC show that an improvement in oral health can lead to a reduction in respiratory infection.

Pancreatic Cancer and Gum Disease

A study published in 2007 in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute surveyed 51,529 American men about their health every two years between 1986 and 2002. Of the 216 participants who developed pancreatic cancer, 67 of them also had periodontal disease. Independent of the participants’ smoking status, the study found that having a history of periodontal disease was associated with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. This, according to the study, could be because of systemic inflammation or increased levels of carcinogenic compounds produced in the infected mouth. Interestingly, another viable theory about why gum disease may cause type 2 diabetes points to damage to the pancreas as well. “With the pancreatic cancer study, we thought it was very interesting that you have this localized infection that has an impact on a systemic organ that is very intimately tied to the pathophysiology of diabetes,” says Dr. Desvarieux. Reasons for why this might be are as yet unknown.

Learn more in the Everyday Health Dental Health Center.

Vaping and Your Oral Health

Posted on: July 23rd, 2020 by admin

As you’re no doubt aware, smoking is a dangerous habit that has serious health consequences. Although the dental effects of smoking pale in comparison to the life-threatening general health effects, they are nonetheless impactful and noteworthy. (Check out our slideshow on 7 dental health concerns for smokers.) Smoking stains the teeth and increases the risk of gum disease and oral cancer, potentially limits candidacy for certain popular treatments like dental implants, and more.

According to data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services one in five people smoke in the United States. Many of these smokers have transitioned away from traditional combustible cigarettes in recent years to the supposedly “safer” e-cigarette and vaping alternatives.

Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) are relatively new products that convert a liquid concentrate into an aerosol via a heating element. Many of those trying to quit smoking end up using ENDS because there is no tobacco involved. (It is called “vaping” because ENDS vaporizes the nicotine for ingestion, without using any tobacco.) The idea that switching to ENDS is a stepping-stone to quitting entirely. However there are a number of people transitioning to ENDS because of the trend, and there are even new smokers using them as an entry point to starting smoking.

So it begs the question: Is vaping really less harmful to health (specifically oral health) than traditional smoking?

Unfortunately, this is a bit of a loaded question. Vaping is too new for there to be any long-term studies evaluating its health effects as compared with smoking. So it’s rather disingenuous to get into any sort of true comparison at this point. But we can look at the potential oral health effects of vaping as a standalone.

Nicotine and Oral Health

E-cigarettes may not contain tobacco, but they do contain nicotine, the highly addictive chemical additive in traditional cigarettes. A vasoconstrictor, nicotine inhibits blood flow which can have damaging effects throughout the body. The level of reduced blood flow in the mouth is particularly high, compared to other parts of the body, causing the vaporized nicotine to directly enter oral tissues as the vapor is inhaled. This reduced blood flow can lead to tissue death and gum recession. As if this isn’t bad enough (recession can increase your risk of a number of dental problems), the reduced blood flow can hide the symptoms of serious gum disease.

Gum inflammation and bleeding are two tell-tale signs of gum disease. By inhibiting blood flow and creating a reduced level of bleeding and inflammation, nicotine can make it more difficult for a dentist to identify gum disease. Considering that gum disease has been linked with stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and cancer risk, masking of its symptoms is a serious dental and general health concern.

Nicotine can also cause teeth grinding, which seriously damages the surfaces of the teeth and can impact bite alignment, leading to jaw-related problems like TMD.

Nicotine aside, there are other oral health concerns associated with vaping that still need to be studied. For example, the liquids used in vaping contain an array of chemicals (like diethylene glycol) that can potentially be harmful, depending on the concentrations and frequency of use. Many contain a menthol additive that has been shown to break down epithelial cells, potentially harming gum tissue. In addition, many dental patients who vape have reported issues related to dry mouth (xerostomia) which increases the risk of tooth decay.

The bottom line is simple. Although vaping might not share all the negative health effects of smoking combustible cigarettes, it has its own health concerns (specifically oral health concerns) that have not yet been fully studied or evaluated. If you use ENDS, speak with your dentist to learn more about the potential oral health effects.

Dental Check Ups in South Lyon Michigan

Posted on: July 16th, 2020 by admin

The Coronavirus Pandemic (COVID-19) has thrown off people’s regular six-month cleaning and check-up. Don’t think you can just skip your regular trip to the dentist though. We strongly recommend you don’t allow the pandemic to create bad oral hygiene habits for you — and that includes your biannual teeth cleanings. Lifetime Dental Group is conveniently located in South Lyon, MI and Canton, MI. Our team of dentists and dental hygienists are here to help keep your teeth clean and healthy during your regular biannual teeth cleanings and check-ups. Here are three reasons you need a dental cleaning every six months.

Stop Gum Disease Dead in Its Tracks

You’ve probably heard about gum disease, or at least its earliest stage, gingivitis, on toothpaste and mouthwash commercials. But did you know that, even though in some cases Belmont residents are genetically inclined to develop this disease, that visiting your dentist regularly is one of the best ways to detect gum disease, and get your mouth healthy again?

Our doctors at the Dental Restorative Group are able to detect early phases of gum disease in Belmont patients long before the telltale symptoms of red and swollen gums appear in our patients. By diagnosing gum disease early, we’re able to return your gums to a healthy state. And, if it’s been a while since you’ve last seen the dentist for a dental cleaning, we can diagnose additional stages of the disease, and put a proper treatment plan in place to restore your gums and save your teeth.

Prevent Plaque Build Up

Have you ever gone to your dentist only to hear that you have plaque build-up? Plaque is a sticky deposit that clings to your teeth and is full of all kinds of gross bacteria dental patients don’t want in their mouths. The buildup of plaque can also result in tartar, which discolors your teeth. While properly brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing once daily can prevent plaque build-up, it can’t kill or remove plaque or tartar once it’s present. Only a professional dental cleaning by a dental hygienist can do so, which is why you should see our doctors every six months.

Protect Yourself from Tooth Decay

Losing a tooth to tooth decay can be not only painful and embarrassing, as a missing tooth can negatively impact your smile, but also expensive to replace with a dental implant or other tooth replacement system. But it’s important to remember that tooth decay happens over time, not in an instant and that by coming to our doctors at Dental Restorative Group every six months for a dental cleaning, we can diagnose issues causing tooth decay and form a plan to save your affected tooth or teeth.

Call Us to Schedule a Dental Cleaning Today
Whether you’re always on time for your dental cleanings, or it’s been a while since you had one, our doctors are prepared to help you and your unique case. The best place for dental care in the South Lyon or Canton, Michigan area is the Lifetime Dental Group.

To schedule a routine dental cleaning today, call:

Canton, Michigan: (734) 844-1300
South Lyon, Michigan: (248) 437-1010

The Benefits of Probiotics for Your Oral Health

Posted on: June 29th, 2020 by admin

Probiotics can benefit our oral health as well as our digestive health. How are probiotics beneficial for our oral health?

While the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has not approved oral probiotics yet, we are seeing that research is beginning to suggest they may keep our mouths healthy. Below are a few potential health benefits of oral probiotics:

1. Preventing Plaque and Tooth Decay
A “bad” type of bacteria, Streptocuccus mutans, turns sugar into lactic acid, creating an acidic environment that can lead to the development of plaque and cavities. One study found that A12, a “good” type of bacteria, stops the growth of S. mutans and prevents plaque from forming. In addition, Bifidobacterium in the digestive system has been found to prevent tooth decay, as it reduces the amount of strep bacteria in the mouth.

2. Managing Gingivitis Symptoms
Gingivitis, or gum disease, produces such symptoms as sensitive teeth and swollen, sore gums. One study involved more than 50 gingivitis patients who took either a Lactobacillus reuteri probiotic supplement or a placebo. Two weeks later, the patients who took the highest dosage of probiotics displayed fewer symptoms and had less plaque than those who took the placebo.

3. Decreasing Gum Disease Inflammation
One study found that patients who took supplements containing the bacteria Lactobacillus brevis experienced a decrease in oral inflammation. Another study showed that a daily regimen of probiotic milk reduced inflammation in the mouth.

4. Preventing Halitosis
Commonly known as bad breath, halitosis can result from “bad” bacteria in the mouth or gut. A study involving more than 20 patients who took either a supplement containing the probiotic Streptococcus salivarius or a placebo, along with an antimicrobial mouthwash for three days, showed that 85 percent of those who took the probiotic supplement had less “bad” bacteria in their mouths than those who took the placebo.

South Lyon Michigan Dentist - Probiotics and Oral Health

Probiotic Sources
You can choose to take probiotics either as food or as supplements. Such enriched or fermented foods as soft cheeses, milk, sourdough bread, sauerkraut, dill pickles and yogurt are excellent sources of probiotics. Because they’re not so concentrated as supplements, these foods are better sources of probiotics for those at high risk of infection.You can find concentrated sources of probiotics in pill or in powder form. Your doctor or dietician may recommend that you take prebiotics along with probiotics. Prebiotics help healthy probiotics develop and grow.

Probiotic Side Effects
A healthy person shouldn’t experience any side effects from probiotics. However, if your risk of infection is high from an autoimmune disease, you shouldn’t take oral probiotic supplements. In addition, children, pregnant women and the elderly should talk to a doctor before taking probiotics. Even if you’re healthy, it’s wise to consult with your doctor before taking any kind of supplements, and you should never take more than the recommended dosage of probiotics.

Ask Your Dentist
We are just beginning to understand how our gut biome affects our health, especially oral health. While the initial results and data have been encouraging, we advise that you speak to an oral health expert, before making significant changes to your dental routine. Contact any of our dentists at South Lyon’s Lifetime Dental Group to determine your oral health needs with exams and specialized dental treatments.

National Toothbrush Day

Posted on: June 26th, 2020 by admin

Whether you’re in South Lyon or Canton or any other city near Lifetime Dental Group, today is a day of celebration! Break out your favorite flavor of toothpaste because today, June 26, is National Toothbrush Day! In honor of our favorite under-celebrated holiday, we’ve rounded up a few facts about the little brush that has a big impact on your oral health.

• Soft-bristled toothbrushes are best. Hard bristles can be painful when brushing and may eventually erode tooth enamel at the gum line.

• Rounded bristles are better than blunt-cut bristles, which may damage delicate gum tissue.

• Nylon bristles were not introduced until 1938. Before that, toothbrushes were made with boar-hair bristles!

• You should replace your toothbrush or electric toothbrush head every three months or when the bristles look frayed.

• Toothbrushes should be stored in an upright position to keep bacteria away.

• The first mass-produced toothbrush was made in 1780 by William Addis of Clerkenwald, England.

• Manual toothbrushes are just as effective as electric toothbrushes. The difference is that most people don’t spend enough time brushing with a manual toothbrush to get the job done properly.

• Although it’s recommended that people spend at least two minutes brushing twice a day, most people only brush for 46 seconds per session. Make sure you’re getting the full two minutes in by using a toothbrush timer or the timer on your phone.

How Can Dentistry Enhance Your Overall health?

Posted on: May 18th, 2020 by admin

By Dr. Russell Thaler, Periodontist in South Lyon, Michigan

I hope everyone is safe and healthy during this global pandemic. Now, more than ever, it’s important to take care of your physical, emotional. and oral health. All of our lives have been impacted by this virus. The World Health Organization states that older people, and people with pre-existing medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease) appear to be more vulnerable to becoming severely ill with the virus.

Dr. Russell Thaler - Periodontist

How can Lifetime Dental in South Lyon, Michigan help?

At Lifetime Dental, many of our patients are surprised to learn that not only do we treat your oral health, but we are treating your overall health.

According to recent findings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), half of Americans aged 30 or older have periodontitis (gum disease), the more advanced form of periodontal disease. This equals approximately 64.7 million Americans.

Periodontal disease has been extensively linked with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, cancer, osteoporosis, and respiratory disease. As oral healthcare providers, we are also often the first to notice something in your mouth that could be associated with your overall health.

During our comprehensive exam, we will evaluate you for oral cancer, oral disease, cavities, and gum disease and establish a comprehensive treatment plan. Our treatment of any of these dental or gum issues will not only improve your oral health but will improve your overall general health too by reducing the inflammation and/or infection that harming your body.

Here at Lifetime Dental in South Lyon, Michigan, we care deeply about you and your health. We are here for you now and always.