Grinding Teeth

What Causes Tooth Enamel Damage?
Another cause of tooth enamel damage is bruxism -- or teeth-grinding. Over time, the constant clenching and friction can wear down or fracture the enamel. In this slide, teeth grinding has ground down the upper and lower front teeth.

Bruxism is often worst when you sleep -- that's when you can't control it. Reducing stress may help. Some people wear a special mouth guard to bed.

Above article from: WebMD.com/oral-health

Dentist Plymouth MI
Douglas A. Callow, DDS
9357 General Drive, Suite 112
Plymouth, MI 48170
Phone: (734) 455-2890
Website: www.CallowDDS.com

Habits That Wreck Your Teeth: Opening Stuff With Your Teeth

Opening bottle caps or plastic packaging with your teeth may be convenient, but this is one habit that makes dentists cringe. Using your teeth as tools can cause them to crack or chip. Instead, keep scissors and bottle openers handy. Bottom line, your teeth should only be used for eating.

Above article from: webmd.com/oral-health

Dentist Plymouth MI
Douglas A. Callow, DDS
9357 General Drive, Suite 112
Plymouth, MI 48170
Phone: (734) 455-2890
Website: www.CallowDDS.com

Habits That Wreck Your Teeth: Bedtime Bottles

It’s never too early to protect teeth. Giving a baby a bedtime bottle of juice, milk, or formula, can put new teeth on a path to decay. The baby may become used to falling asleep with the bottle in his or her mouth, bathing the teeth in sugars overnight. It's best to keep bottles out of the crib.

Above article from: webmd.com/oral-health

Dentist Plymouth MI
Douglas A. Callow, DDS
9357 General Drive, Suite 112
Plymouth, MI 48170
Phone: (734) 455-2890
Website: www.CallowDDS.com

Habits that Wreck Your Teeth: Cough Drops

Just because cough drops are sold in the medicine aisle doesn't mean they’re healthy. Most are loaded with sugar. So after soothing your throat with a lozenge, be sure to brush well. Whether the sugar comes from a cough drop or a hard candy, it reacts with the sticky plaque that coats your teeth. Then bacteria in the plaque convert the sugar into an acid that eats away at tooth enamel. Hello, cavities.
 
Above article from: webmd.com/oral-health

Dentist Plymouth MI
Douglas A. Callow, DDS
9357 General Drive, Suite 112
Plymouth, MI 48170
Phone: (734) 455-2890
Website: www.CallowDDS.com

Dental Care for Seniors

As we get older, there are changes to our bodies and our teeth and gums. Teeth may be discolored from continual consumption of caffeine or tobacco and plaque can build up over the years. Sometimes taking medications may reduce the amount of saliva that flows through your mouth. The wear and tear on fillings may produce cracks that weaken the tooth or allow decay to seep in. We advise regular check-ups to take care of any problems in the earliest stages. If gums begin to bleed or are swollen and red and teeth start to become loose, please contact us immediately.

Dentist Plymouth MI
Douglas A. Callow, DDS
9357 General Drive, Suite 112
Plymouth, MI 48170
Phone: (734) 455-2890
Website: www.CallowDDS.com

Preventive Dentistry

We Take the Extra Step for your Wellness
We can take care of your dental problems to keep your teeth and gums healthy, like any dental office. But we provide extra care and concern for our patients with our “Wellness Care.” In our Wellness Care program we teach our patients how to avoid having dental problems. The first part of this type of care is a very thorough examination. We observe your bite and the way your teeth fit together. We examine you for wear and tear on your teeth, gum disease, and oral cancer, or any conditions that might turn into a problem later on. Our Wellness Program does just what the name implies – we do our best to keep your teeth and gums in good condition for overall good health, so you will not have major problems later.

For Your Best Overall Health
Research shows that gum infections are linked to stroke, heart disease, and other serious conditions. Healthy gums give you strong teeth to perform their function of proper chewing. Maintaining good dental health is important to your overall vitality and wellness. Dr. Callow recognizes how good dental health helps to maintain your entire well-being. He has started a revolutionary new process of tracking each of your visits on a graph on a computer program. A visual history can be displayed to let Dr. Callow advise you on your health goals. Our team will work with you to achieve those goals, just like a coach or trainer.

Dentist Plymouth MI
Douglas A. Callow, DDS
9357 General Drive, Suite 112
Plymouth, MI 48170
Phone: (734) 455-2890
Website: www.CallowDDS.com

 

Advancements in Dentures

Are you tired of having your dentures slip, tilt, or wander? Would you like to have them stable so you can talk and eat without embarrassment? Let us introduce to you overdentures. They are a relatively new advancement in implants that anchor your dentures and relieve the problems of slippage. Our experienced team will ensure they fit well and look great. Your confidence will soar and you will have all the more reason to smile. Let us tell you how we can help you.

Dentist Plymouth MI
Douglas A. Callow, DDS
9357 General Drive, Suite 112
Plymouth, MI 48170
Phone: (734) 455-2890
Website: www.CallowDDS.com

Habits That Wreck Your Teeth - Tongue Piercings

Tongue piercings may be trendy, but biting down on the metal stud can crack a tooth. Lip piercings pose a similar risk. And when metal rubs against the gums, it can cause gum damage that may lead to tooth loss. The mouth is also a haven for bacteria, so piercings raise the risk of infections and sores. Bottom line, discuss the health risks with your dentist first.

Above article from: webmd.com/oral-health

Dentist Plymouth MI
Douglas A. Callow, DDS
9357 General Drive, Suite 112
Plymouth, MI 48170
Phone: (734) 455-2890
Website: www.CallowDDS.com

Habits That Wreck Your Teeth - Playing Sports With No Mouth Guard

Whether you play football, hockey, or any other contact sport, don't get in the game without a mouth guard. This is a piece of molded plastic that protects the upper row of teeth. Without it, your teeth could get chipped or even knocked out when the action gets rough. Self-fitting mouth guards may be purchased at a store, or you can have one custom made by your dentist.

Above article from: webmd.com/oral-health

Dentist Plymouth MI
Douglas A. Callow, DDS
9357 General Drive, Suite 112
Plymouth, MI 48170
Phone: (734) 455-2890
Website: www.CallowDDS.com

Habits That Wreck Your Teeth - Chewing on Ice

It’s natural and sugar free, so you might think ice is harmless. But munching on hard, frozen cubes can chip or even crack your teeth. And if your mindless chomping irritates the soft tissue inside a tooth, regular toothaches may follow. Hot foods and cold foods may trigger quick, sharp jabs of pain or a lingering toothache. Next time you get the urge for ice, chew some sugarless gum instead.

Above article from: webmd.com/oral-health

Dentist Plymouth MI
Douglas A. Callow, DDS
9357 General Drive, Suite 112
Plymouth, MI 48170
Phone: (734) 455-2890
Website: www.CallowDDS.com

Oral Warning Signs Can Indicate Serious Medical Conditions

Regular dental exams not only help to decrease a patient's risk of oral diseases, such as cavities and periodontal (gum) disease, but they may also help to diagnose other, sometimes life-threatening, medical conditions.

 

Dentists are able to assess a patient's overall oral health and may recognize symptoms of serious diseases, including diabetes, cancer, and eating disorders, which often manifest as signs and symptoms inside of the mouth. Click here to learn more.

Above article from KnowYourTeeth.com

Dentist Plymouth MI
Douglas A. Callow, DDS
9357 General Drive, Suite 112
Plymouth, MI 48170
Phone: (734) 455-2890
Website: www.CallowDDS.com

Gum Health

The Main Cause of Lost Teeth

The number one assumption by patients for tooth loss is decay. You may be surprised to know this is not the case. Gum disease is the most common reason. Symptoms may be unnoticeable until it is too late to save some or all of your teeth. Bleeding gums during brushing and flossing or loose or shifting teeth are signs that should not be ignored. Losing your teeth due to gum disease can be prevented with the various nonsurgical methods that we offer. Please do not delay in coming to our office if you suspect you might have this problem.

Gum Disease Is Linked to Serious Health Conditions

Studies have proven a link between gum disease and the life-threatening conditions of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. An estimated 8 of 10 Americans have periodontal disease, which most dentists consider to be at an epidemic level. The American Academy of Periodontology confirms the research that shows gum infections increase the risk of premature or underweight births, and may contribute to heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory illnesses.

Now the Good News

If left to reach advanced stages, the treatment for periodontal disease would be surgical. It is mostly successful in reversing the condition and is often covered by most insurance plans. If periodontal disease is treated in a milder stage, we offer very effective nonsurgical methods. Together with improved dental hygiene, the spread of the infection can be stopped. Nonsurgical methods are often covered by dental insurance plans as well.

Dentist Plymouth MI
Douglas A. Callow, DDS
9357 General Drive, Suite 112
Plymouth, MI 48170
Phone: (734) 455-2890
Website: www.CallowDDS.com

Invisalign

Orthodontics – The Clear Alternative

Dr. Callow is proud to offer you Invisalign invisible aligners. These innovative orthodontics let you have straight teeth in 9 - 15 months! And they correct a variety of problems – teeth with gaps, overbite, crossbite, underbite, and overcrowding. Using 3-D computer-imaging, Invisalign sets up your complete treatment plan to reposition your teeth for your desired look. They are individualized clear thermoplastic aligners that are made to fit your teeth. The first set of aligners you will receive begins to gently push your teeth into position. In two weeks, you will receive a new set of aligners, and again in another two weeks as progress is being made until your treatment plan is completed based on your own needs and goals. There is less time in the dental chair, as you will only need to be evaluated on your progress every four to eight weeks. 

Dentist Plymouth MI
Douglas A. Callow, DDS
9357 General Drive, Suite 112
Plymouth, MI 48170
Phone: (734) 455-2890
Website: www.CallowDDS.com

Missing Teeth?

Replace Missing Teeth for Your Perfect Smile

Implants are used today to replace any missing tooth, front or back. It is important to have all your teeth to keep remaining teeth from shifting, to chew food properly, and to regain a beautiful smile that will give you confidence. Implants are put under the gums, which makes them look just like original, natural teeth. People with no teeth can have their dentures replaced with implants to keep them secure in the mouth, and they don’t need to be taken out for sleep. Dr. Callow will place the actual “tooth” after an oral surgeon has implanted a titanium post. The implant is placed over the post and will function and look just like the original tooth.

 
Dentist Plymouth MI
Douglas A. Callow, DDS
9357 General Drive, Suite 112
Plymouth, MI 48170
Phone: (734) 455-2890
Website: www.CallowDDS.com

Halloween Tips

Halloween is around the corner, which for most children means bags of free candy and a chance to build up the stockpile of sweets for the winter. Being one of the most fun times of the year for families, Halloween can also present parents with a variety of health and safety challenges.
The American Dental Association, America's premier source of oral health information, has prepared a list of 10 suggestions to help parents maintain good oral health for their children around the Halloween holiday and throughout the year.

1. Consume Halloween candy and other sugary foods with meals.
   Saliva production increases during meals and helps neutralize acids produced by bacteria in your mouth and helps rinse away food particles. 
2. Avoid hard candy and other sweets that stay in your mouth for a long time.
   Besides how often you snack, the length of time food is in your mouth plays a role in tooth decay. Unless it is a sugar-free product, candies that stay in the mouth for a long period of time subject teeth to prolonged acid attack, increasing the risk for tooth decay.
3. Avoid sticky candies that cling to your teeth.
   The stickier candies, like taffy and gummy bears, take longer to get washed away by saliva, increasing the risk for tooth decay. 

                                                               

Click here to read more tips.

Above article from: ada.org

Dentist Plymouth MI
Douglas A. Callow, DDS
9357 General Drive, Suite 112
Plymouth, MI 48170
Phone: (734) 455-2890
Website: www.CallowDDS.com