The Facts About Gum Disease – Are You at Risk?

What is Gum Disease?

Gum disease (periodontal disease) begins when plaque, a sticky film that remains on teeth after eating, sleeping, or just going about your daily routine, is not properly removed. This plaque will eventually turn to tartar, which is the hardened form of plaque. Tartar can cause inflammation and pockets – areas around the tooth where the gums have been pulled away by the tartar. When bacteria get into these pockets they can cause pain, redness, inflammation and even bleeding.

Am I at Risk?

While there are many risk factors that contribute to gum disease, the following are some of the more common:

• Diabetes
• Genetic Predisposition
• Hormonal Changes (in females)
• Medications
• Smoking
• Smokeless Tobacco

How Do I Know if I Have Gum Disease?

While the above descriptions and risk factors are all a good gauge, signs and symptoms of periodontal disease can be best discovered by visiting the dentist regularly. Bleeding gums, chronic bad breath, pain while eating, sensitivity to hot and cold, loose teeth and receding gums are all common signs and symptoms of gum disease.

How Do I Prevent Gum Disease?

The best way to face periodontal disease head on is to prevent it from occurring in the first place. Brushing at least twice daily with a dentist-approved fluoride toothpaste, flossing after meals, eating a well-balanced diet, quitting smoking or smokeless tobacco and scheduling regular dental checkups are some of the most effective ways to prevent gum disease from occurring. Gum disease starts with inflammation and if gone undetected or left untreated can lead to tooth and bone loss.

How is Gum Disease Treated?

There are many methods of treating and preventing the advancement of gum disease. The specific treatment plan will depend on the severity and advancement of the disease. Treatment can include non-surgical removal of harmful pocket-forming bacterial plaque, antibiotic treatment, regenerative therapy or conventional surgical procedures, as well as dental implants. Treatment is carefully selected to match your specific needs.

For more information about gum disease and gum disease treatment in Holly, MI, please visit our website at www.hollydentalcarepc.com or call us at (248) 634-5300.

Dr. Randy Hunter is a Holly Michigan Dentist serving patients in Holly and North Oakland County Michigan.

The Importance of Flossing

Recent studies have shown that a great many Americans are ignoring a simple activity that will keep their smiles looking gorgeous, help prevent cavities, reduce tooth loss, and – as many dentists and physicians believe – significantly reduce the chances of heart disease and strokes.

Though a large majority of patients swear they do this simple activity, according to the American Dental Association, more than 90% of Americans don’t!  What is that simple activity?  That’s easy – it’s flossing your teeth!  And just remember, a quick and strenuous attempt to floss right before your visit to our office doesn’t fool us!  Please continue reading – it can change your life!

Flossing is the absolute best method of cleaning bacteria and debris from the spaces in between your teeth and underneath your gums.  Left alone, that harmful film can cause cavities and gum disease, as it eats away at the bone that actually holds your teeth in place and causes your teeth to loosen and, sooner or later, be lost.  What’s worse, recent research has linked gum disease to heart disease and strokes.   But there’s hope for everyone!

Most activities require practice and patience.  You couldn’t play a musical instrument without practice and, more often than not, academic or professional tutelage.  You probably never solved a complex puzzle the very first time you sat down to try it.  And though flossing is certainly much easier than either of the aforementioned activities, far too many people try it just a few times and then give up in frustration believing that they can’t, and never will, do it correctly. But with a little patience and practice you definitely can!  And some of the better flosses in stores today make it so much easier than it has ever been in the past.

We at Holly Dental Care want you to keep your beautiful teeth for the rest of your life and maintain the best overall good health possible. Doing so involves flossing – remember, that simple activity – every day. We’re here to help you! Feel free to call us at (248) 634-5300 and we will arrange for one of our friendly, professional dental team members to give you a personal lesson. Or simply ask during one of your regular appointments.  We know that flossing correctly takes practice. But with the proper technique and commitment you’ll be a pro – and maintaining your beautiful smile and overall good health. Don’t wait another day! Call us today for more information. Your life and your smile are worth it!

Holly Dental Care is your general and cosmetic dental practice in Holly, MI serving patients in Holly and the surrounding areas.

Let Your Smile Tell Your Story!

In this day and age, we all know it – there is nothing more eye-catching than a set of beautiful white teeth. Cosmetic dentistry provides patients a clear path toward a beautiful smile that will be noticed and remembered by everyone they see.

Unlike general dentistry, the goal of cosmetic dentistry is to improve the appearance of one’s teeth, mouth or overall smile. Cosmetic dentistry can correct a variety of problems that, while not necessarily health risks, make a person uncomfortable with individual appearance. Cosmetic dentistry procedures can be as simple as replacing a noticeable tooth filling (silver/mercury) with a filling constructed using tooth-colored substances. On the other hand, cosmetic dentistry can include very complex procedures such as tooth implants (dental implants) and complete smile makeovers. Whatever cosmetic dental procedure is necessary, once completed the patient’s teeth are healthier and drastically more appealing.

Who should consider cosmetic dentistry?

The answer is simple. Anyone who is not satisfied with the way their teeth or smile look is an ideal candidate for cosmetic dentistry. Teeth that are discolored can be renewed with teeth whitening to produce a pearly-white noticeable smile. Teeth that have been chipped or are misshapen can be repaired to look more natural and appealing. Whatever specific need a patient may have concerning the appearance of the teeth and smile, cosmetic dentistry can help!

The list below provides information on some of the most common cosmetic dental procedures:

• Teeth Whitening
• Tooth-Colored Fillings (White Fillings)
• Porcelain Crowns
• Porcelain Veneers and Lumineers
• Dental Implants

The first step in restoring your smile is to find a qualified cosmetic dentist. That’s where Holly Dental Care can help! Our doctors and staff have the experience and the expertise needed to provide you with honest, concise recommendations and, as an end result, the beautiful smile you’ve always dreamed of. And if you have a fear of the dentist, our dental sedation options can allow us to restore years of dental neglect all while you rest comfortably.

Cosmetic dentistry plays an important role in improving one’s appearance and, therefore, self-esteem and confidence. For more information about Holly, MI cosmetic dentistry, please visit us today at http://www.hollydentalcarepc.com/ or call our Holly, MI dental office at (248) 634-5300.

Drs. Randy and Marie Hunter are Holly Cosmetic Dentists serving patients in Holly, MI and the surrounding areas.

What’s In Your Water?

A product that most people consider to be healthy is actually causing an increase in dental cavities among children and many adults. So what’s to blame? Many experts believe it is bottled water. While the large majority of us know the dangers of drinking sugar-loaded soft drinks and their sneaky cousins, the “sports drink,” we often fail to remember that bottled water is replacing the fluoride-fortified tap water that exists in most locations in North America. The Center for Disease Control details that bottled water has become so prevalent in the diets of Americans that many of them are not getting the proper amount of fluoride they need to keep their teeth healthy. According to the International Bottled Water Association (sounds like a pretty crazy group) – bottled water consumption has recently doubled, and the average American now drinks an average of thirty gallons per year! Believing that it is healthier, many parents are not only having their kids drink more bottled water, they are preparing baby formula with it, too! Even bottled water that is basically tap water in fancy packaging is micro-filtered, a process that can remove fluoride.

At Holly Dental Care it is our mission to keep your smile beautiful and your teeth cavity-free. Drinking tap water instead of bottled water whenever possible will not only save you money and keep millions of plastic bottles out of landfills; it can also help you keep your teeth healthy!

If you have questions about fluoride or any other dentistry-related topic – including the latest ways to achieve a beautiful smile – please contact us today at (248) 634-5300 or visit our website at www.hollydentalcarepc.com. We look forward to seeing you smile!

Drs. Randy and Marie Hunter are family, cosmetic, and implant dentists in Holly, Michigan.

No-Fear Dentistry is Here in Holly, MI!

Are you in need of dental work but have high anxiety or fear when it comes to going to the dentist? Have you had an unpleasant dental experience in the past? Do you have difficulty getting numb? Are you afraid of needles or Novocain shots, or just want to reverse years of dental neglect in one simple and comfortable appointment? Don’t worry! There are millions of people from all walks of life that share your fear. But now you can relax!

If you have searched for years – perhaps even tried hypnosis, meditation or going to therapy – but never thought you could get dental care in a comfortable and anxiety-free setting, we’re excited to let you know that your fears and anxieties are a thing of the past!

At Holly Dental Care we offer Sedation Dentistry for procedures such as implant surgery, long cosmetic makeover appointments and more. Sedation is a perfect solution for patients who:

• Have had traumatic dental experiences from past dental visits
• Have problems getting numb
• Have a bad gag reflex
• Are afraid of needles and/or shots
• Have high anxiety or fear of dental work
• Have complicated dental problems
• Have a busy schedule and limited time to complete dental care

Dental Sedation offers you safe and complete relaxation during your appointment!

While most patients are good candidates for sedation, some are not. We believe that in order to maintain the highest standards of safety and excellence, proper patient selection is a primary key. During your consultation Dr. Hunter will carefully evaluate your medical history in order to determine if you are a good candidate for the proposed sedation and course of dental treatment.

Imagine waking up to a brand new smile in one painless, fear-free appointment!

Call us today at (248) 634-5300 or visit us on the web at www.hollydentalcarepc.com for more information and to find out if you’re a good candidate for sedation dentistry. You’ll be glad you did!

Drs. Randy and Marie Hunter are family, cosmetic, implant and sedation dentists in Holly, Michigan.

Are you looking for a picture-perfect smile?

With the many  advancements in teeth whitening treatments, far more people are experiencing the beautiful results of having their teeth whitened and are enjoying many benefits they may have not previously considered.

As with any cosmetic or beauty treatment, you are looking for an improvement in your appearance, and one of the most impactful ways to achieve this is with teeth whitening. The teeth are the first thing many people notice, and flashing a dazzling smile with a gorgeous set of pearly white teeth can make you look younger, more attractive and even appear more successful. What’s more, that brilliant, white smile can also give a big boost to your self-confidence!

With so many teeth whitening options to choose from, it’s not surprising that there are some people who are confused regarding the most suitable whitening option for their individual needs. And it’s little surprise that many turn to a professional for teeth whitening advice, guidance and treatment. Expert dental care ensures that you’ll receive the exact type of treatment that’s a perfect fit for your unique situation.

Do you have questions about teeth whitening? Give us a call today at (248) 634-5300 or visit us on the web at www.hollydentalcarepc.com for more information or to make a reservation with us. Our friendly, professional staff is committed to helping you achieve and maintain the whitest, healthiest smile possible – a smile that’s picture-perfect!

Drs. Randy and Marie Hunter are General and Cosmetic Dentists in Holly, MI. Holly Dental Care serves patients in Holly, Flint and within the surrounding North Oakland County Michigan.