The first concern that Doctors Gershonowicz and Neme emphasize is the understanding of tooth decay. Decay is what happens when plaque, which is a sticky material that forms on teeth, combines with the starches and sugars from the food eaten. This combination produces an acidic substance that can eat through tooth enamel. The first step in avoiding and preventing tooth decay is to brush twice a day and floss daily. By avoiding sugary snacks and high-sugar drinks, and by eating healthy foods, you can help to prevent decay.

Another vital step in maintaining excellent dental health is to ensure that children and adults alike visit their dentist for a regular cleaning and check up every six months. And there are also those people who have been found to be at greater risk for oral diseases, and they should have dental check ups more frequently, as prescribed by their dentist. Diabetes, pregnancy, periodontal and gum disease, tobacco and alcohol use, poor oral hygiene, and certain medical conditions are often factors that your dentist and dental hygienist will consider when prescribing how often you should receive your regular dental cleaning and check up.

Ensuring that you and your family do get your regular check ups is a sure way to help keep your teeth and gums healthy. This will also give the dentist an early opportunity to detect any other problems such as gum disease, oral cancer or cavities. The sure way to keep up excellent oral health is to visit the dentist per his or her instructions.

There are several reasons for a tooth to be sensitive to heat, cold and hard chewing. Tooth sensitivity is not uncommon, as it does affect millions of people. Basically, tooth sensitivity occurs when discomfort or pain is experienced on the teeth from sweets, cold air, hot and cold drinks or foods. It can also be experienced from flossing or brushing. See your dentist if you experience such discomfort, as sensitive teeth can be treated.

Gum disease has many symptoms, and you should visit your dentist if you observe any of them. Often, the first sign will be red and swollen gums that bleed easily, and frequent bad breath. Later stages can manifest with a change in your bite or a change in the way dentures or partials fit. You may notice that your gums begin to separate from the teeth. In spite of the fact that gum disease is quite a serious problem, it is not difficult to prevent.

There are two major stages of gum disease, Gingivitis and Periodontitis. The earlier stage, which is called gingivitis, is treatable and can be reversed if discovered and properly treated in time. The more serious and advanced stage of gum disease is called Periodontitis. This stage is often irreversible because it includes bone loss. The most common cause of periodontitis is the failure to appropriately care for the gums and teeth.

Remember the three steps that will assist with your oral health: brushing twice a day, flossing daily and regularly seeing your dentist for your check ups. These are the most effective ways to prevent gum disease, save your teeth and, in turn, protect your overall health.

Bright Side Dental will conveniently schedule any appointment that you need for your dental care. With dentist offices in Canton, Livonia and Sterling Heights that offer evening and Saturday appointments, it's easy to schedule your entire family for their necessary check ups and treatment.