Dr. Sasaki’s Dental Blog

February 3, 2012

Energy Drink Warning For Ann Arbor

Filed under: Dental Health — Tags: , , , — @ 9:40 am

Saline Smile Redesign Hello. I’m Dr. Gary Sasaki.

Welcome to my Ann Arbor cosmetic dental blog. Today’s topic is energy drinks and the damage they can cause to your teeth. I am seeing more and more Ann Arbor teens and adults with tooth enamel erosion caused by frequent consumption of sport drinks.

Most of these Ann Arbor general dentistry patients take good care of their teeth, brush and flush, and come into Gary Sasaki DDS, MS for a twice-yearly exam and deep cleaning. But guess what? If you drink energy drinks regularly, your enamel can erode even if you practice immaculate oral hygiene.

Energy drinks like Red Bull, Rock Star, and Monster are a cocktail of powerful acids and other enamel-eroding substances. Most of them contain citric acid, fruit juices, loads of sugar, and a potent chemical that gives them their bright fluorescent color.

Perhaps, like myself, you have often noticed young people walking out of Ann Arbor convenience stores swigging 32-ounce energy drinks. I am concerned that area teens do not understand the serious dental consequences of frequent acid baths.

The following is from ABC Sports:

“Sports drinks are increasingly damaging the teeth of professional and recreational athletes, one of Australia’s top sports dentists has warned. Dr. Brett Dorney says he has witnessed a huge increase in dental erosion since the Sidney Olympics, when he was the event’s deputy director of dental services.”

Here is an excerpt from a recent CNN Story:

“Researchers at the University of Iowa’s College of Dentistry found the energy drinks and sports drinks eroded the enamel more than soda and fruit juices.”

I need to add the caveat that soda and fruit juices also contain acids that can damage teeth.

If your teeth have enamel erosion, whatever the cause, we can restore your smile with advanced cosmetic dentistry in Ann Arbor. Crowns, porcelain veneers, inlays and onlays can correct both structural and cosmetic problems.

Our phone number is 734-482-7466. Whether you are interested in re-designing your smile or full-mouth rehabilitation, come in for an exam and consultation. With cutting-edge cosmetic dentistry, we can repair acid-damaged teeth and dramatically increase your face value.

January 27, 2012

Toothbrush Wars in Ypsilanti

Filed under: Dental Health — Tags: , , — @ 12:12 pm

Toothbrush Wars in Ypsilanti

It may surprise you to know that some Ypsilanti people have very strong opinions about which type of toothbrush is the best: manual or electric. Is there really one that is clearly better? Most Ypsilanti cosmetic dentists will tell you that all toothbrushes, when used correctly, are effective in removing plaque and that choosing which kind you like is really up to you.

Today in the Ypsilanti cosmetic dental blog we want to give you some extra information about toothbrushes to help you decide which kind is right for you or your child.

Cost and convenience should be considered. Some Ypsilanti people argue that even though electric toothbrushes cost more, you’ll save on dental bills. However, there are no definitive studies to back up this claim.

Manual toothbrushes are easy to find, whereas not all drugstores in the Ypsilanti area carry all types of electric toothbrushes. This can be difficult when buying replacement heads. People who travel may find that a smaller, manual toothbrush is easier to pack (and you don’t have to remember batteries).

The pressure you put on your gums with either type of toothbrush is important. Some Ypsilanti residents say that it’s difficult to know how much pressure they use with electric toothbrushes, while others say that because of the quick electrical movements, they tend to be more gentle on their gums than when they use manual brushes. You may want to try them both to see what your brushing style is and discuss it with your Ypsilanti dentist.

Special consideration should be taken for people with arthritis. Most Ypsilanti area dentists advise their elderly and arthritic patients to use electric toothbrushes when their manual dexterity is diminished. As for children, once they are old enough, an electric toothbrush may be preferable, but safety should always be the first concern for Ypsilanti parents. Also, all dentists in Ypsilanti area will remind you to look for the ADA seal on any dental product you buy.

Whichever type of toothbrush you choose, make sure you get soft bristles and replace it every three to four months.

I’m Dr. Gary Sasaki and I want to thank you for visiting my Ypsilanti dental blog.

If you are looking for dental care, tooth whitening, or cosmetic dentistry in or around Ypsilanti, give us a call at 734-482-7466.


January 6, 2012

Tooth Ache Pain The Size of Ypsilanti

Filed under: Dental Health — Tags: , , , — @ 10:20 am

Ann Arbor Tooth Whitening Patients often come into our cosmetic dental practice and complain about ‘a toothache the size of Ypsilanti’. I understand this kind of pain, and realize that when you describe it like that, it really hurts. I can help.

Toothache pain for anyone in Ypsilanti can be unbearable. At the very least, toothache pain can cause you to avoid eating certain foods, certain temperatures, and even talking. Severe toothache pain can be downright debilitating, forcing patients to go to extreme measures to alleviate the pain.

Around the Ypsilanti area, the most common causes of a toothache include tooth infection, decay, injury, and loss of a tooth. Tooth pain can also occur after a tooth has been extracted, or after an oral surgery involving anything from a tooth or your jawbone.

I can help you better understand the source of your tooth ache pain, and in most cases can provide a nearly immediate remedy. In severe cases, we are equipped to council you on a variety of resolutions.

Of course, the best way to avoid toothache pain is to visit your Ypsilanti dentist often, and to care properly for your teeth including the regular regimen of brushing and flossing.

Our office offers a wide variety of dental procedures that can alleviate your dental pain, and restore your smile that may be affected by tooth extraction or decay. We offer cosmetic and restorative dentistry, including porcelain veneers, dental implants and crowns. We also provide our clients with a dental spa in order to relax more fully while receiving dental treatments.

If you are experiencing toothache pain, and just can’t stand it any more, please give me a call; I am standing by to help.

-Gary Sasaki, DDS, MS

734-482-7466

December 16, 2011

Don’t Take Stress Out On Your Teeth, Ann Arbor

Filed under: Dental Health — Tags: , , , — @ 10:53 am

Don't Take Stress Out On Your Teeth Ann Arbor Hello, I’m Dr. Gary Sasaki. At my Ann Arbor dental spa, I have noticed more and more of my patients with stress-related dental issues. Ann Arbor men and women may not think about it, but stress can do a number on your oral health.

Mouth sores, clenching and grinding, gum disease, and poor oral hygiene can all be exacerbated by stress.

Ann Arbor people who have difficulty managing stress need to realize that it can increase the risk of getting mouth sores such as cankers and cold sores. Most canker sores only last 7-10 days, but for relief from the irritation, we recommend our patients pick up an over-the-counter topical anesthetic at any local Ann Arbor drug store.

Clenching and grinding the teeth is common for stressed-out Ann Arbor residents, and often it’s done unconsciously. Here at Gary Sasaki DDS, MS our comfortable, friendly, professional and relaxing staff can determine if a night guard or other dental appliance is appropriate to reduce grinding.

Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is exacerbated by stress because stress can result in an increase in dental plaque.

And Ann Arbor cosmetic dental patients may find that when they are under stress it is more common to neglect their oral hygiene habits. Many people in the Ann Arbor area find that they eat more sugary snacks when they’re under stress.

If you’re concerned about the effect stress can have on your teeth, schedule an appointment at Gary Sasaki DDS, MS today. We treat patients from age 40 to 80 and we offer cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, porcelain veneers, dental crowns and more. We hope to hear from you soon!

Dr. Gary Sasaki
Gary Sasaki DDS, MS
1900 Packard Rd
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48197
734-482-7466
http://midentalspa.com/about_drs.htm

December 9, 2011

Soft, Medium, or Buzz Lightyear?

Filed under: Dental Health — Tags: , , , — @ 10:15 am

Affordable Dentistry in Ann Arbor At Gary Sasaki DDS, MS, cosmetic dentist Dr. Gary Sasaki is often asked how to choose the most basic tool of oral hygiene, the toothbrush. Picking a toothbrush in Ypsilanti can be as difficult as choosing a paint color, and there seems to be just as many choices.

If you have visited the dental section of your local Ypsilanti grocery store or Walmart lately, you know what I am talking about. There are brushes with bristles of varying lengths, brushes that massage your gums, and brushes that change color when they are used up. (If I had to rate them purely on their fun factor, I would choose the Spiderman brush.)

Some toothbrush manufacturers claim their brushes freshen your breath or remove stains from your teeth when used with teeth whitening toothpaste. How do you choose?

One key factor is the firmness of the bristles. Hard bristles may be more effective for cleaning burnt steak off a grill or hard water deposits off a shower floor. However, this does not hold true for your teeth. Medium and firm brushes can damage your gums. Soft and extra-soft bristles are plenty stiff enough to clean plague, food particles, and surface stains from your teeth. Soft bristles also offer more flexibility for hard-to-reach nooks and crannies.

After having dental work (like the full mouth rehabilitation available at Gary Sasaki DDS, MS) or oral surgery in Ypsilanti, especially anything involving soft tissue grafts, make sure you use an extra-soft brush and be careful!

What about the electric types and water-shooters? Some Ypsilanti folks like the feeling of vibrating bristles or a mini-squirt gun blasting away at the plaque. Ypsilanti people with arthritis or other movement-inhibiting conditions can benefit from powered brushes which take some strain off hands and arm muscles.

Is your toothbrush doing the job? Schedule an exam with your Ypsilanti cosmetic dentist at Gary Sasaki DDS, MS.

At Gary Sasaki DDS, MS, our comfortable, friendly, professional and relaxed dental hygienists instruct our Ypsilanti area patients on proper brushing and flossing. If you haven’t experienced a dental deep cleaning at Gary Sasaki DDS, MS, you don’t know how clean your teeth and gums can feel.

Schedule a thorough dental cleaning today by calling us at Gary Sasaki DDS, MS, 734-482-7466. An outstanding feature of Gary Sasaki DDS, MS is dental spa service to make our patients as comfortable as possible. We also offer porcelain veneers, dental crowns and bridges and a full spectrum of restorative dental procedures.

October 7, 2011

Ouch! Are Your Teeth Sensitive In Ann Arbor?

Filed under: Dental Health — Tags: , , — @ 12:13 pm

Are Your Teeth Sensitive In Ann Arbor?

For those of you in the Ann Arbor area who feel pain when you sip your morning coffee or who cringe each time you brush or floss, Dr. Gary Sasaki DDS, MS is here for you.

Doctor Gary Sasaki has been treating this common problem since 1971.

The first line of defense against tooth sensitivity is proper oral hygiene. Incorrect brushing and over-brushing can result in receding gums, which leads to the exposure of microscopic tubules in the dentin. When these tubules are exposed, acidic, hot, cold, and sticky foods can then reach the nerve cells in the teeth causing discomfort.

Here in our Ann Arbor cosmetic dentistry practice, our knowledgeable staff can determine if your brushing style is contributing to your tooth sensitivity and get you on your way to proper oral care habits.

Dr. Gary Sasaki usually recommends an over-the-counter desensitizing toothpaste that will alleviate tooth pain after several applications. Most Ann Arbor Wal-Mart and Sav-On stores carry it. However, some Ann Arbor patients may need in-office procedures such as fluoride gel treatments available at Gary Sasaki DDS, MS.

Don’t worry if you have sensitive teeth in Ann Arbor and want to have your teeth whitened. Here at Gary Sasaki DDS, MS, Dr. Sasaki can determine which professional tooth whitening or at-home whitening procedures will work for you.

Call our Ann Arbor dental spa today to get relief from your sensitive teeth.

 


Dr. Gary Sasaki
Gary Sasaki DDS, MS
1900 Packard Rd
Ann Arbor Michigan 48197
734-482-7466
http://midentalspa.com/about_drs.htm

September 30, 2011

Ann Arbor Dental News: Poor Oral Health And Heart Disease

Filed under: Dental Health — Tags: , , — @ 11:17 am

Top Ann Arbor Family Dentists Attention Ann Arbor dental patients: brushing twice daily may help lower your risk of heart disease. Ann Arbor scientists, dentists, and cardiologists have known for many years that there is a link between inflammation in the mouth (gum disease) and heart problems. However, a recent study analyzed oral health habits and heart disease risk. Science Daily reported on the study which was published in the British Medical Journal.

I quote from the Science Daily article:

“The authors, led by Professor Richard Watt from University College London, analyzed data from over 11,000 adults who took part in a Scottish Health Survey. The research team analyzed data about lifestyle behaviors such as smoking, physical activity, and oral health routines.”

“Once the data was adjusted for established cardio risk factors, the researchers found that participants who reported less frequent toothbrushing had a 70 percent extra risk of heart disease compared to individuals who brushed their teeth twice a day.”

I am Dr. Gary Sasaki of Gary Sasaki DDS, MS. The Scottish survey is one of many that confirms the link between oral health and overall health. Simply put: you aren’t healthy unless your gums and teeth are healthy.

It doesn’t matter if you are a lean Ann Arbor distance runner with a pulse of fifteen beats a minute and a blood pressure of 100 over 60. It doesn’t matter if you are a Ann Arbor vegan who has eaten a nutritionally balanced, low-fat diet for the past five years. If you have inflamed gums and tooth decay, you are at risk for problems in other areas of the body.

The phone number for Gary Sasaki DDS, MS is 734-482-7466. If you have concerns about your oral health, I invite you to schedule an examination today.

Perhaps your teeth and gums are healthy but you wish your smile was more attractive. We can help you there also with a smile redesign. Porcelain veneers, crowns, inlays/onlays, and orthodontia are all available to solve any cosmetic problems you wish to correct.

If you have not visited a cosmetic dentist in Ann Arbor yet, now is the time. My comfortable, friendly, professional and relaxing team and I will help keep your smile beautiful for life.

Call us at 734-482-7466 to learn more.

July 22, 2011

Our Ann Arbor Dental Team Takes Care Of You

Filed under: Dental Health — Tags: , , — @ 6:09 pm

Ann Arbor Dental Team

At Gary Sasaki DDS, MS, each dental professional on our team allows our practice to operate smoothly and provide the highest caliber of dental care. Today’s Ann Arbor dentistry article will focus on the duties of a dental assistant.

You probably think of the dental assistant as: “The one who suctions my mouth while the dentist is working on me,” or “The one who attaches the bib around my neck,” and you are correct. However, his/her knowledge of patient care and dental lab procedures is probably more extensive than you realize.

Competent dental assistants work behind the scenes at Gary Sasaki DDS, MS in Ann Arbor. They assist dentist Dr. Gary Sasaki during all dental procedures including basic oral examinations, tooth prep and cavity filling, as well as lengthy cosmetic dentistry smile makeovers involving multiple procedures. Our competent assistants also work with our dental hygienists during dental cleanings and patient instruction.

When a dental client arrives for his/her appointment, the dental assistant has already been preparing for the visit. Before he/she is escorted to a comfortable chair in one of our pleasant patient rooms, the assistant has made sure the room is ready for the particular treatment being performed.

Whether the patient is receiving porcelain veneers, having their teeth whitened, undergoing a routine orthodontia adjustment, or settling in for a two-hour smile redesign, the dental assistant has set the stage for a comfortable and efficient procedure.

At Gary Sasaki DDS, MS, infection control is always foremost in our minds. Our dental assistants, dentists, and hygienists are vigilant about the sterilization of dental instruments and follow strict infection control protocols. The health of our patients and employees is our highest priority.

Dental assistants in Ann Arbor dental offices may also prepare tray setups, make impressions for restorations, schedule appointments, take x-rays, and maintain and retrieve patient records. They must have a keen eye for detail and an excellent memory as they organize and stock the many different dental supplies in a typical office.

Gary Sasaki DDS, MS is located at 1900 Packard Rd. in Ann Arbor, Michigan. We provide general and cosmetic dental procedures including porcelain veneers, dental crowns and bridges and general dentistry. You can read more about our services at http://midentalspa.com/about_drs.htm.

To make an appointment for an examination, consultation, or cleaning, call 734-482-7466. Thanks for visiting our Gary Sasaki DDS, MS blog!

May 13, 2011

Do You Have Sore Gums?

Filed under: Dental Health — Tags: , , — @ 9:37 am

Affordable Ann Arbor Dentistry Every Ann Arbor dentistry patient’s mouth provides a cozy home for over 600 types of bacteria. If you are diligent about oral hygiene and have healthy gums, these microbes usually don’t affect your health. However, if you have gum disease, bacteria can enter your bloodstream through your gums and cause problems.

Gingivitis is the term for the mild gum disease. At Gary Sasaki DDS, MS, we routinely discover gingivitis in Ann Arbor clients who are not even aware they have the condition.

The first signs of gingivitis are swollen, sore gums.

It is important for our Saline and Plymouth dental patients to understand that it is not normal for gums to bleed when they are brushed or flossed. If you haven’t had an oral examination in a while and live in the Ann Arbor area, call Gary Sasaki DDS, MS at 734-482-7466. Dr. Gary Sasaki thoroughly exams teeth and gums and takes time to discuss the results and recommendations with each Ann Arbor dentistry patient.

Gary Sasaki DDS, MS is a full-service dental practice at 1900 Packard Rd. in Ann Arbor. We provide comprehensive general and cosmetic dentistry for clients who live in Ann Arbor and the nearby communities of Belleville, Saline and Plymouth.

During your dental consultation, we can discuss any cosmetic or restorative procedures in which you are interested. Some of the Ann Arbor procedures that we use to create perfect smiles are porcelain veneers, orthodontics, dental implants and tooth bleaching. Our hygienists are skilled professionals who perform the ultimate in dental deep-cleanings.

Oral health and overall health go hand in hand. Schedule a dental consultation today by calling 734-482-7466 or visiting us online at http://www.midentalspa.com.

April 28, 2011

Beware Of Hidden Sugar

Filed under: Dental Health — Tags: — @ 4:34 pm

preventative dentistry in Saline We advise our dental clients at Gary Sasaki DDS, MS to watch their sugar intake to prevent cavities and other health problems.

If you are trying to unsweeten your diet, you are probably skipping the usual suspects: candy, soda, and baked treats. But not all sugar is as obvious as the frosting on a piece of chocolate cake or the powdery stuff in pixie stix. To maintain your dental health it is important to understand the sugars hiding in less obvious places.

Here are some foods found in Saline and Ypsilanti grocery stores and Belleville school cafeterias with a surprisingly high sugar content:

  • Ketchup
  • Low Fat versions of snack foods (Manufacturers often replace fat with sugar.)
  • Salad Dressing
  • Breads, buns, rolls
  • Spaghetti Sauce
  • Protein Bars
  • Granola
  • Canned soup
  • Peanut Butter
  • Yogurt
  • Fast food meals (Hamburgers, fries, sandwiches, and salads are often loaded with sugar, not to mention the dessert items.)
  • Antacids
  • Cough drops
  • Fruit smoothies (Even a small serving has a whopping amount of sugar.)

Reading the fine print on labels is a must if you mean to maintain your dental health. The following terms are all types of sugar:

raw sugar, cane sugar, glucose, lactose, galactose, fructose, dextrose, honey, sorghum, molasses, cane sugar, confectioner’s sugar, crystallized cane juice, invert sugar, maltodextrin (or dextrin), maple syrup, concentrated fruit juices, evaporated cane juice (what kind of cane do you think we are talking about?)

Do the math: when shopping at markets or health food stores, carefully decipher food labels before you buy. Four grams of sugar equals one teaspoon. Add up all the grams of every type of sugar listed and divide by four to truly understand how much sugar an item contains.

At Gary Sasaki DDS, MS, we advocate and practice preventative care for lifelong dental health. For more information on how your diet affects your dental health, contact us at 734-482-7466. If you have a toddler or child who has not yet visited a dentist, call us today for a pediatric oral examination and information on fluoride and sealants.

We are located at 1900 Packard Rd. in Ann Arbor.

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