These days, it’s not unusual for Darlene to be complimented on her smile, even by strangers.

“I smile all the time now!”she states, which is something she rarely did before finding Dr. Ban Barbat.

Like many baby boomers, Darlene remembers dental visits in her youth being much different from today’s care. “When I was young and had a toothache, they just pulled the tooth,”she explains. With soft enamel, keeping healthy teeth was a particular challenge. Having little confidence in her dentist of 20 years, she also admits that dental check-ups were not as regular as they should have been. Because he “did an okay job”, Darlene
remained in his care while never feeling good about her smile.

After raising children and caring for her mother during an illness, Darlene decided it was her turn.

“My husband has nice teeth,” she says, “and I always felt people were looking at my teeth because they were yellow and had so many gaps.” She initially researched options to whiten her teeth, checking with several dental offices. From another dentist’s recommendation and being familiar with Dr. Barbat through the newspaper, Darlene
decided to make an appointment. Upon meeting Dr. Barbat, Darlene immediately felt positive about this new environment for dental care. After a thorough examination, they discussed whitening as well as other options to restore Darlene’s smile to good health. After learning she could recreate her smile and restore her mouth to optimal health, she became enthusiastic about proceeding.

Darlene added oral sedation to have more done at fewer visits. In two appointments, her entire mouth was treated without leaving her feeling fatigued. For a highly natural look, Dr. Barbat used porcelain restorations (crowns), which provide exceptional durability and help protect the natural
tooth. Dr. Barbat also used porcelain bridges to replace missing back teeth for restored stability and function.

When her treatment was complete, Darlene looked in the mirror. “I started crying and then Dr. Barbat started crying, too!”shares Darlene. “I was in awe that my smile was so beautiful! “ Darlene feels everyone made her feel so welcome and pampered. “There, you don’t really feel like you’re in a dental office.”She also describes Dr. Barbat’s care versus dental experiences of her past, “She wants to make sure you’ve gotten the best results and
are happy. I’m so glad I did it.”

With a flattering smile, Darlene especially enjoys wearing lipstick. “I never wore lipstick before and now I wear it all the time!” And, she has a renewed dedication to her oral health. Before, she didn’t realize crowned teeth need diligent care and was surprised when her gums bleed. With Dr.
Barbat’s commitment to helping patients maintain good oral health and avoid repair, she now admits, “I’ll never miss another appointment!”

Dr. Barbat states,“Hygiene visits help patients keep their teeth and gums healthy. When a person has achieved appearance goals for their smile, it’s important to be proactive when it comes to oral health. This is why Darlene’s preventive appointments are more frequent than every six months. This helps her enjoy a beautiful smile and healthy mouth at the same time.”Darlene agrees, “It’s the best thing I ever did! My smile is gorgeous!”

To discuss smile enhancement or tooth replacement with Dr. Barbat at her Metro Detroit Cosmetic Dentist Office, call to arrange a consultation or ask at your next visit. “It’s the best thing I ever did!” NOW!

If you are an arthritis sufferer, you are twice as likely to develop periodontal (gum) disease.

Gum disease is the country’s number one cause of tooth loss and has been linked to serious health problems, including coronary artery disease and stroke. The Journal of Periodontology recently published findings stating adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) had an average 11.6 loss of teeth compared to 6.7 teeth of other participants in the study.

RA, the leading cause of disability, limits the daily activities of over 7 million Americans.

We are sensitive to the physical limitations RA can cause and hope the following tips will make oral hygiene at home easier.

* Water irrigators can remove food particles and plaque between teeth.
* Electric toothbrushes and floss holders can reduce the amount of effort required by he hands.
* Wrap toothbrush handles with a sponge hair roller to create a more comfortable, thicker grip.
* Replace knob-type faucets with levers, which are easier to turn on and off.
* Insufficient saliva in the mouth increases the risk of bacterial growth. Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth moist. If you are taking medications that are drying, oral rinses are available to maintain moisture. Minimize caffeine, alcohol, and smoking, all which are drying to oral tissues.

With a good oral care commitment, RA sufferers should be able to maintain a healthy smile and prevent tooth loss. If you suffer with arthritis, overcoming physical limitations to protect your smile will result in a constant reminder that you are in charge of your health! Come into our Metro Detroit Dentist Office to learn more about maintaining your dental health.

Tongue Piercing Problems

Although oral jewelry has become fashionable, those in the business often fail to warn their patrons of the potential hazards that can result from tongue piercing. Common problems can result in costly repairs. These include chips or cracks to teeth, crowns, and fillings. Other problems that can emerge are allergies, gum irritation and infection. In some instances, nerve and blood vessel damage can occur, which cannot be repaired.
Even though some like the look of a pierced tongue, the tongue barbell can trap bacteria and cause a build up of plaque. This is a recipe for bad breath.

Because the tongue reacts to ailments and reveals symptoms of ill health,

including oral cancer, tongue piercing could mask these important warning signs. For instance, discolorations, numbness, and swelling can indicate more serious health problems. These problems could be mistakenly attributed to a reaction to tongue piercing.

Our advice? Don’t! If you have, or your child has had his or her tongue pierced, arrange for frequent oral exams at our Shelby Township Cosmetic Dentist Office, at least every four months. During these visits, instruction will be provided on how to watch for warning signs and how to avoid damaging teeth.

WARNING! About Over-The-Counter Tooth Whiteners

Do-it-yourself whitening kits are everywhere! Although results from these kits have less longevity and a minimal degree of whitening than the process offered by dental offices, the lower cost makes them seem more appealing. Oral surgeons now warn to use these kits with caution, especially if you have a cavity.

Tooth bleaching, using a do-it-yourself whitening kit, could lead to infection and nerve damage.

This occurs because the bleaching agent goes straight to the gums. What may appear to be a low-cost way to whitening your teeth could result in permanent damage to teeth and gums. For the ultimate in a safe, long-term, and gleamingly-bright smile, whitening under dental supervision is advised. To learn more about safe whitening options contact us at our Michigan Cosmetic Dentist Office.

Oral cancer includes cancer of the tongue, lip, palate, gum tissue, andoropharynx.

Of all major cancers, it has the worst five-year survival rate…only 54%, and is the 7th most common cancer among males. Most lesions grow slowly; however, some double in size within a few days or a week.

WARNING SIGNS OF ORAL CANCER ARE:

* A sore in the mouth that bleeds easily and does not heal.
* Pain, burning sensation, or numbness in the tongue or other areas in the mouth
* Change in texture of the mouth
* Sore throat or feeling there is something stuck in the throat
* Change in voice or hoarseness
* White or red patch on tongue, gums, or tonsil
* Brown color bordering the lip
* Lump, ulcer, or swelling of jaw, neck, or oral tissues
* Thickening of soft oral tissues

Early detection is vital, with survival rates as high as 81%. Late intervention is 17% or less. Most dental check-ups include an oral cancer screening. The process is painless and takes minutes. Don’t wait until it is too late. Visit our team in our Michigan Cosmetic Dental Office for more details.

Research results from the University of Waikato, New Zealand recently revealed that an enzyme in honey can stop the growth of dental plaque bacteria.

It also halts the production of dextran, which the bacteria excrete in order to adhere to tooth surfaces. “It appears there is an enzyme in honey that produces hydrogen peroxide, giving honey an antimicrobial property,” states Dr. Barbat. Clinical research has also shown the effectiveness of honey in treating inflamed or infected wounds. Unlike antiseptics, honey is gentle on tissues and helpful in treating swelling and pain. It also stimulates cell growth that repair tissues damaged by infection.

For more on this research and other dental news, visit the web site of the American Dental Association: www.ada.org or come visit us at our Shelby Township Michigan Dental Office.

Cold sores are painful sores that are caused by the herpes simplex type 1 virus.

After exposure the virus can hide in your body for years without an outbreak. Things that trigger the virus and cause an outbreak can be:

-    too much sun exposure
-    coming down with a head cold or infection
-    menstruation
-    stress

Cold sores can be spread from one person to another.

They usually show up on the lips and sometimes on the nose or the chin. They usually last from about 7 to 10 days and rarely scar. Over-the-counter medication can be purchased to help relive the pain that accompanies the sores. If you have a lot of outbreaks you should talk to Dr. Ban Barbat at her Shelby Township Cosmetic Dental office about being prescribed an anti-viral drug that can reduce the time it takes to heal and the number of sores.

Approximately 36 million women in the United States are in the postmenopausal phase of life. Estrogen deprivation from menopause increases the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease and oral disease.

While hormone replacement therapy is often prescribed by physicians to alleviate symptoms associated with estrogen deficiency, replacing estrogen (or estrogen and progestin) also helps to prevent some of the chronic illnesses common to postmenopausal women.
Oral health repercussions of women who are postmenopausal may include a reduction of saliva, increased dental caries, taste alterations, gingivitis, and periodontitis. Studies show that hormone replacement therapy is effective in inhibiting gingival inflammation, periodontitis and the consequent loss of teeth.

While your oral health is our emphasis, your overall health is also a concern.

“Maintaining oral health correlates to one’s overall state of health,” states Dr. Barbat. “We strongly advise our patients to ensure their oral and physical well-being are working in unison.” If you have questions about your oral health at any age, Dr. Barbat and her staff at her Metro Detroit Cosmetic Dental Office are happy to make printed materials available for your review.

What Is The Best Toothbrush to have?

These days, toothbrushes come in many shapes and sizes.Some have angled heads, raised bristles, and handles that change colors with use. While each claims superiority, there is no evidence that one is etter than another. Most important is that you brush long enough to thoroughly remove cavity-causing bacteria. Although most brush for less than a minute, brushing two to three minutes is advised.

What Is The Best Choice Of A Toothbrush?
The toothbrush head should be approximately one-inch long and a half-inch wide for easy access to all areas. Our preference is soft nylon bristles with rounded ends.

Should I Use An Electric Toothbrush?
Electric toothbrushes cover tooth surfaces faster using bristles that stimulate gums as they clean teeth. These are particularly helpful for those with limited manual dexterity as well as those in orthodontic treatment. Use light force and slow movements as the bristle action does the work. Be sure to supervise children under 10 who use electric toothbrushes.

How Often Should I Change My Toothbrush?
Toothbrushes are less effective once the bristles become splayed and frayed. Too, toothbrushes used longer than three to four months may harbor the bacteria that contribute to gum disease. If you have had an illness, replace your toothbrush at the onset and again when you are well.

How Do I Brush?

With the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle, gently rub back-and-forth. Brush outside the teeth, then inside, giving particular attention to chewing surfaces, between teeth, and the surface of the ongue. Brush at least twice a day and floss daily to maintain good oral health between your hygiene visits.

At our Metro Detroit Cosmetic Dental office we want to make sure our patients know the best way to keep a healthy smile.

Our patients who have opted to combine One-Pill Sedation with their dental treatment have been tremendously pleased with the results.

In their own words …“I remember walking in and sitting down in the chair, and the next thing I knew my treatment was finished. I felt like I had just had a refreshing nap!”

“I really dreaded having to keep my mouth open for this long procedure, even though Dr. Barbat has never hurt me. It’s amazing how one pill totally blocked out my awareness of the procedure and any memory of it.”

“I feel spoiled now. I’d like to have all my dentistry done with oral sedation.”

For many adults, a visit to the dentist is a frightful event, even though dentistry now features many comfort options. Yet, a growing number of no-anxiety level patients are askingfor One-Pill Sedation to accompany treatment. Now, using a small pill, patients can have dental care completed while they are totally relaxed and absolutely comfortable. Oral sedation has been highly praised for its excellent safety record, quick onset and recovery. Patients complete their dental care totally relaxed and comfortable. While they are safely sedated, we provide the care they need, often concluding treatment in two visits. Unlike intravenous sedation, the patient has no needles to dread and avoids a long recovery period.
Dr. Barbat is a member of the Dental Organiation for Conscious Sedation, or D.O.C.S. The purpose of D.O.C.S. is to provide education for dentists to care for the large population of people who avoid the dentist and to improve their lives with better dental health.

Dr. Barbat states, “I have always been sensitive to our patients with high fear and apprehension.

I can now offer all patients an even more comfortable experience at my Shelby Township Sedation Dentistry Office. For lengthy procedures, One-Pill Sedation adds to one’s comfort and leaves them feeling refreshed afterwards. Oral Sedation enables me to bridge the gap between technology and comfort.”