How to Maintain Good Dental Habits
July 22, 2015
A dentist can only do so much when it comes to maintaining your dental health. At the end of the day, you’re the one who is responsible for keeping your mouth clean and healthy. Keeping periodontal disease at bay is very important, and maintaining good dental habits will go a long way in fighting off signs of periodontal disease. Flint dentist, Dr. Chitra Naik, is a lot more than just a dentist; she’s an educator for good dental health and how to obtain the cleanest and most healthy mouth possible. Our dental office in Flint, MI cares about how your smile looks and feels. Here are some tips on how to keep your smile as bright and beautiful as it can possibly be.
Dental Health At Home
It all starts at home. Don’t believe us? Richard H. Price, DMD, spokesperson for the American Dental Association and a former clinical instructor at the Boston University Henry H. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (a.k.a. this guy knows what he’s talking about), says regular home care should include daily brushing and flossing. His advice? “Brush thoroughly, at least twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening before going to bed. Be sure to floss at least once a day. I do it after every meal when I can.” Practicing good dental hygiene isn’t rocket science; it’s really easy.
Here are some basic principles to follow:
- Spend at least three minutes brushing your teeth twice a day. To ensure you’re spending enough time on your oral care routine, try using a timer.
- Use floss at least once a day every day to clean between your teeth. Food particles love setting up camp in between your teeth, and bacteria can run roughshod over your teeth.
- Buy ADA-approved dental cleaning tools and toothpaste.
Poor Oral Health Consequences
Think of your body like a machine; every part is important. If one fails, the system as a whole will suffer. Your mouth is the same way and affects more of your overall health than you’d think. Not practicing good dental hygiene can drastically affect your oral health, but your wellbeing is put at risk as well.
Possible risks include:
- Heart disease/stroke
- Dementia
- Respiratory problems
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Premature birth
We’re not here to scare you, we just want you to realize how important maintaining good oral health is for your overall health. Practicing good dental habits will work out in the long run.
Schedule Your Appointment with Your Dentist in 48532
Our Flint dental office would be honored to serve you for all your dental needs. Keeping infection and bacteria at bay is what we do best, and we can help you, too. Schedule an appointment – we serve everyone in Flint, MI as well as Burton, Flushing, Mt Morris, Swartz Creek, Goodrich and beyond.
Share Your Smile Confidently with Cosmetic Dentistry in Flint, MI
April 15, 2015
If it’s true that a picture is worth a thousand words, then it’s doubly true for a beautiful smile. It’s the first thing that people notice about you, and it’s often the feature that leaves the most memorable impression. If your teeth are marred by aesthetic imperfections, however, you may feel less inclined to share your smile with those around you. At the Flint, MI dental office of Dr. Chitra P. Naik, you’ll find an all-encompassing range of cosmetic dentistry solutions, each designed with your most radiant smile in mind.
The Confident, Beautiful Smile You Deserve
One of the most popular cosmetic dentistry solutions is professional teeth whitening. While it’s easy enough to find generic whitening kits at your local pharmacy or grocery store, these over-the-counter products lack the whitening power needed to eliminate persistent stains. Most tooth discoloration is caused by dark foods and beverages, though other sources of stains include tobacco and certain medications. With both in-office and take-home teeth whitening, Dr. Naik can help you erase years from your smile in a way that fits your lifestyle.
For problems like chips, cracks, gaps, and uneven spacing, Dr. Naik may recommend porcelain veneers. These ultra-thin, stain-resistant layers of dental porcelain are meticulously crafted to look and feel just like your natural teeth. They are carefully placed over your existing teeth in order to mask a variety of cosmetic concerns all at once. The porcelain veneers process typically takes only two to three visits to our office, so you can begin enjoying your luminous new smile faster than ever.
Because dark amalgam fillings can detract from anyone’s smile, Dr. Naik is happy to offer posterior and anterior tooth-colored fillings as an alternative. These composite resin restorations are carefully shaded to perfectly match the color of your tooth enamel, promoting a completely natural appearance.
If a gap between two of your teeth (typically the two upper teeth) causes you embarrassment, we can help with a treatment solution known as diastema closure. This cosmetic bonding procedure can completely transform your smile, making you look more sophisticated and professional in just one visit to our office.
Transform Your Smile with Cosmetic Dentistry
Whether you are seeking a brighter smile with teeth whitening or you’re interested in transforming the appearance of your teeth with veneers, Dr. Naik is your trusted source for cosmetic dentistry solutions in Flint, MI and the surrounding areas. Contact our office today to learn more and to schedule your consultation with our team. We sincerely look forward to realizing your dream of a gorgeous smile and the confidence that comes with it. We happily welcome patients from throughout Flint, MI and the surrounding areas, including Grand Blanc, Burton, Mount Morris, Clio, Swartz Creek, and beyond.
Enjoy Your Favorite Foods Again with Implant-Retained Dentures in Flint, MI
March 15, 2015
For the majority of men and women who wear dentures, dietary restrictions negatively impact daily life. Biting into a fresh, crisp apple has become a thing of the past, and a buttery ear of corn on the cob is nigh impossible to manage. Even your favorite cut of juicy steak is too tough to chew with traditional dentures, leaving you feeling limited and unsatisfied with the available options. Fortunately, Dr. Chitra Naik offers implant-retained dentures at her Flint, MI dental office.
Why Choose Implant-Retained Dentures?
Dental implants are the most sophisticated and versatile restorative dentistry solution available today. These tiny, titanium posts are secured within the bone of your jaw, replacing the roots of the teeth you have lost due to decay, damage, or disease. The posts serve as sturdy anchors for your implant-retained dentures, custom prosthetics that are designed just for you for a perfect fit and a natural look.
With implant-retained dentures, you can feel confident in the appearance of your smile as well as your ability to speak, laugh, and eat whatever you like. There’s no more fear of slipping dentures or the worry that food will become lodged between your restoration and your gums. You’ll love the freedom you feel with implant-retained dentures, and your body will thank you for the wider variety of nutritious foods that you are now able to enjoy.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you currently wear dentures and you’d like to learn more about the possibilities afforded by implant-retained dentures, please don’t hesitate to contact us today to schedule your visit with Dr. Naik and her caring, experienced team. We genuinely look forward to helping you achieve a better quality of life and a more varied diet with our state-of-the-art restorative dentistry services. Our cutting-edge dental practice in Flint, MI warmly welcomes patients from throughout the surrounding areas, including Fenton, Flushing, Davison, Ortonville, and beyond.
How Does Your Workout Affect Your Smile? Athletes and Oral Health
February 15, 2015
While your teeth may be the last things on your mind when you gear up to hit the gym, a recent study has uncovered a vital connection between oral health and strenuous exercise. At the Flint, MI dental practice of Dr. Chitra P. Naik, Dr. Naik and her team are committed to helping our patients achieve and maintain optimal oral health, and today we’d like to talk about how exercising – particularly running – impacts the health of your teeth and gums.
Why Do Athletes Have More Cavities?
A 2014 study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports found that athletes –especially those who engaged in distance running on a regular basis – had a higher incidence of enamel erosion and tooth decay than their peers who were non-athletic. This was found to be directly related to pH levels in their mouths; a decreased pH level (one that falls below 5.5) has been linked to a higher risk for cavities and gum disease. It is believed that the lower pH levels were caused by a diet high in carbohydrates, including sports drinks and energy bars frequently consumed before and during workouts.
In addition, breathing through the mouth – a habit of many runners – decreases saliva levels. Saliva is necessary for good oral health; it actively protects the enamel from acidic bacteria. While the study certainly offers insight into why athletes tend to suffer from more tooth decay, the results should not be used to deter anyone from pursuing a healthy and active lifestyle. They simply further support the belief that runners and other athletes should visit the dentist often for routine checkups and cleanings to ensure continued oral health.
Schedule Your Next Visit Today
If you or someone in your family exercises regularly, it’s important to remember that your teeth and gums require special care to stay healthy. Contact us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Naik, and learn more about how our general and preventive dentistry solutions can help you avoid cavities, periodontal disease, and more. Our family-friendly dental practice in Flint, MI warmly welcomes patients from throughout the surrounding communities in Flushing, Davison, Fenton, Ortonville, and beyond. We look forward to seeing your smile!
Find Real Relief from Migraines & Jaw Pain with TMJ Therapy in Flint, MI
December 16, 2014
Do you often awaken in the morning with a splitting headache? Perhaps you suffer from persistent pain in your jaw, face, neck, and shoulders. Though you may not be aware of it, you may be affected by a condition known as temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ dysfunction. This condition is responsible for a variety of unpleasant symptoms, and it can lead to lasting damage to the joints that allow your jaw to move freely. At the Flint, MI dental practice of Dr. Chitra P. Naik, we offer a wide selection of preventive dentistry solutions, including TMJ therapy.
How Do I Know if I Need TMJ Therapy?
TMJ disorder is characterized by the repetitive, subconscious clenching of the jaws. It may be accompanied by bruxism, or teeth grinding. The muscles, nerves, and cartilage discs of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) grow irritated and damaged over time due to the constant pressure exerted by the jaw.
A one-on-one consultation with Dr. Naik will determine the underlying cause of your pain, marking the beginning of a journey toward improved comfort and oral health. While this careful evaluation is the only way to definitively diagnose TMJ disorder, there are some common symptoms that you can keep an eye out for at home. Patients suffering from TMJ disorder typically report experiencing one or more of the following symptoms on a regular basis:
- Pain that originates in the jaw and radiates throughout the face
- A clicking or popping sound or sensation when opening and closing the mouth
- A difference in the way your upper and lower teeth fit together
- Jaw that becomes locked in one position
- Pain while yawning or chewing
- Frequent headaches, often accompanied by sensitivity in the temple and sides of the skull
- Sore, achy, or strained feeling in muscles of the neck, shoulders, and back
In order to relieve you of the pain and potential damage caused by teeth clenching, Dr. Naik may provide you with a custom-fitted oral appliance. This comfortable splint is typically worn at night or whenever you tend to clench your jaw the most. The majority of patients recognize an improvement in their level of comfort within days of using their appliance. We want to help you experience the same kind of relief.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Do you suspect that you may be suffering from TMJ disorder? Don’t spend another day suffering with the discomfort and aching pains associated with teeth clenching; contact our office today to schedule your visit with Dr. Naik and her caring, compassionate team. Dr. Naik will perform a full assessment of your teeth, gums, and jaw to determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend a treatment plan that best suits your needs, lifestyle, and budget. Conveniently located in Flint, MI, our state-of-the-art dental practice warmly welcomes families from throughout the surrounding areas, including Flushing, Fenton, Ortonville, Davison, and beyond. We genuinely look forward to serving you!