Dr. Sasaki’s Dental Blog

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.

April 15, 2011

Prevention-Oriented Dentistry

Filed under: Dental Health — Tags: , , — @ 10:25 am

tooth decay pictures at http://www.midentalspa.com Are you a Ann Arbor area parent of young children? Do you want them to develop better oral hygiene habits than you did when you were young? Perhaps you have a beautiful smile and want to prevent tooth decay. Many Ann Arbor people have a mouth full of fillings and don’t want to add another one to their collection.

At Gary Sasaki DDS, MS, we have a prevention-oriented philosophy of dental care.

Your first step toward dental health begins with a prevention consultation with dentist Dr. Gary Sasaki.

Ann Arbor dental patients of all ages need to start with an exam to determine their current status. Your dental condition is influenced by your dietary habits, previous dental work, physical health, medications, lifestyle and family history. After a comprehensive analysis, Dr. Gary Sasaki can establish a decay prevention plan just for you.

A prevention plan is a multi-faceted approach designed to maintain optimum dental health. It involves affordable preventative services at Gary Sasaki DDS, MS. Twice-yearly exams reveal early problems before they progress. Deep cleanings prevent a multitude of serious dental issues for our Saline and Plymouth patients who faithfully keep their regular cleaning appointments.

Oral health cannot be maintained solely in our office. Daily brushing and flossing is essential. A healthy diet is necessary and will deliver benefits to your whole body – not just your teeth.

If you suspect you have a cavity or gum disease, call us at 734-482-7466 before it gets worse. We can successfully treat your current problems and restore your dental health. In addition, we will set you on the path toward a healthier future.  We also offer many cosmetic dentistry procedures for patients wishing to improve the look of their smile.

-A Dental Spa to Transform Your Smile, Relax Your Body, and Rejuvenate

April 30, 2010

Dental Check Up ? How Often?

Filed under: Dental Health,General Dentistry — Tags: , , — @ 9:02 pm

When is the last time you had a dental checkup? Most people in the Ann Arbor area between the ages of 40 and 80 need a dental checkup every six months. If you live in Ann Arbor and are at higher risk for oral diseases, you should have your teeth checked every four months, or at least three times a year.

Come into our office, located at 1900 Packard Rd. in Ann Arbor, or give us a call to make a dental appointment. You can visit our website at http://www.midentalspa.com for more information.

Most people in our Ann Arbor community are in a medium to low risk category. However if you use tobacco or alcohol, eat a lot of sugar in your diet (including lots of soda), or have poor oral hygiene habits, you are likely in a higher risk category and should have your teeth checked right away.

I look at a lot of factors to determine your personal dental hygiene, and your dental outlook for your future. I want you to have the healthiest smile possible so that you can enjoy your teeth for many years without significant problems. If you live in the Ann Arbor area and are ready to have your teeth checked, please give Gary Sasaki DDS, MS a call.

Our comfortable, friendly, professional and relaxing staff will be ready to get you started with a dental checkup.

Talk to you soon.

Gary Sasaki, Dental check ups for the Ann Arbor community

January 10, 2010

Choosing A Dentist In Ann Arbor

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry,Dental Health,General Dentistry — Tags: , , , , — @ 9:17 pm

The American Dental Association offers some welcome advice for choosing a dentistChoosing A Dentist In Fremont

in Ann Arbor. We have already talked about how word of mouth is an important factor in how many people find a dentist. Here are some things you should look for in an Ann Arbor dentist:

Location is always a factor when choosing a dentist. If you live in the Ypsilanti, Michigan area, there are many options. While location plays an important role in convenience, many people are willing to drive a little farther for a better experience with their Michigan dentist.

Relationship is a strong factor. Your Ann Arbor dentist should be approachable, and should make you feel comfortable when you are in the dentist chair. After all, your Fremont dentist will be working very close with you to help you achieve a high level of oral hygiene; you most certainly will want to have a good, professional, comfortable relationship with your Ypsilanti dentist and the dental office staff.

Specialty is another important factor in choosing a dentist in Ypsilanti. Some dentists specialize in cosmetic dentistry. Others specialize in corrective dentistry such as braces. Depending on your need, you may select a local Ypsilanti dentist who can solve your immediate concern. Bare in mind, however, that it is good to have a general dentist who can maintain your dental history and work with you to through the years.

If you are looking for a dentist in Ann Arbor, please come by and speak with me. I can address your interest in any of these critical areas, and will be happy to introduce you to Gary Sasaki DDS.

I look forward to meeting you.

-Dr. Gary Sasaki, DDS

(734) 482-7466

January 2, 2010

Ann Arbor, Michigan Residents Visit the Dentist

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry,Dental Health,General Dentistry — Tags: , , , , — @ 4:26 pm

Whether you have lived in Michigan for a long time, or just moving inFremont, California Residents Visit the Dentist

to the Ypsilanti area; taking care of your teeth eventually involves a visit to the dentist. We are Gary Sasaki DDS located at 1900 Packard Road, Ypsilanti, MI  48197, and our specialty is restorative dentistry.

You can reach Gary Sasaki DDS by calling (734) 482-7466.

Going to the dentist for the first time in Ann Arbor, or if you have not been for while, can be an unsettling experience for both kids and adults. The very idea of a ‘dentist’ seems to hold negative connotation for many people. If you are an adult who is moving to the Ann Arbor area, or your child is preparing to visit the dentist for the first time, here are a few tips that may help ease you into regular dental checkups and put you on the path toward increased oral health and wellness.

Choose an Ann Arbor dentist who is appropriate for your needs. When you meet your new dentist for the first time, make an effort to ask questions about the care you will receive. Ask questions that are relevant to your situation including questions about experience, age range of patients, and recommended procedures for any conditions you may have. Get to know your Belleville dentist so you feel comfortable with the care you will receive.

Introduce yourself to your Ypsilanti dentist and get to know the office staff. Visiting the dentist will seem less of a chore when you feel you have trusted friends who are there to help.

Be prepared to provide your dentist with information. Whether you are experiencing specific pain at that moment, or anticipating a problem, be sure to discuss everything with your dentist. Many patients become intimidated in the office environment and avoid expressing pain or discussing issues. As your dentist, I need to know everything you are experiencing and will be better prepared to help as you ask questions and express your concerns.

I understand that everyone is unique; what works for one person may not work for another. You know what works best for you, and the best way to have a good experience with a Ann Arbor dentist is to communicate. Let me know what you are experiencing so that I can make adjustments and help you feel more comfortable and secure.

At Gary Sasaki DDS our leading edge treatment in a warm and friendly atmosphere staff will work to make your dental experience a pleasant one. We know it can be frightening to visit the dentist for the first time, or after a long while. We’ll do what we can to make you feel comfortable, secure, and among caring friends.

If you are in Ypsilanti, Michigan and are ready to visit the dentist again, give us a call at (734) 482-7466, or stop by to meet us; we’re excited to meet you.

-We’re your lifelong dental health partner

February 18, 2009

Creating Beautiful Smiles At Gary Sasaki DDS, MS in Ann Arbor

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry,Dental Crowns,Dental Health,Dental Implants,General Dentistry,Porcelain Veneers,Teeth Whitening — Tags: , , , , , , — @ 11:34 pm

Creating beautiful Ann Arbor smiles at Gary Sasaki DDS, MS I am glad you found our blog! I’m Dr. Gary Sasaki, DDS, MS, of Gary Sasaki DDS, MS, a full-service dental practice in Ann Arbor. I am a proud member of the Michigan Dental Association. My profession is dentistry, but my passion is providing superior and affordable Ann Arbor dental care for my patients. I began serving Michigan cosmetic dentistry patients in the Ann Arbor area back in 1971. Since that time, my profession has undergone dramatic changes which have benefited my teeth whitening and tooth restoration clients in Belleville and Saline.

My specialty in Ann Arbor is cosmetic and general dentistry, but I also perform many porcelain veneers, dental crowns and bridges and full mouth reconstructions in Belleville and Saline.

I know my Ann Arbor dentistry clients have many choices for their dental care, and work hard every day to surpass expectations.

I build long-term relationships with my Plymouth and Saline cosmetic dentistry patients. I constantly educate myself on the latest procedures to determine what is truly innovative and what is merely a gimmick. My cosmetic dentistry patients appreciate the time I take to thoroughly analyze their total oral health. My friendly and professional staff enjoys keeping my Ann Arbor family dentistry practice running smoothly so I can concentrate on what I do best—serving my patients!

Dr. Gary Sasaki, DDS, MS

734-482-7466

December 29, 2008

Ann Arbor Pediatric Dentistry

Filed under: Dental Health,General Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , — @ 4:46 pm

Ann Arbor Pediatric Dentistry

Your Ann Arbor child’s dental health is essential to overall health and vitality. At Gary Sasaki DDS, MS, our Ann Arbor pediatric dentists love working with you and your child to ensure a healthy smile for life. Why? The health of your Ann Arbor child’s teeth and gums can affect their speech development, eating habits and self-esteem.

Ann Arbor pediatric dental care is critical, and that is why we recommend bringing your Ann Arbor child in for a first exam before age one, or when their first tooth erupts. During the initial visit, we can discuss Belleville dental treatments such as sealants, fluoride treatments, brushing and flossing techniques and Michigan orthodontics.

Ann Arbor children’s dentists also counsel parents about thumb-sucking, pacifier use and other habits that affect your child’s Ann Arbor pediatric dental health. We can also help you keep your child’s teeth protected during sporting activities. Call us immediately at 734-482-7466 if your child has a dental emergency or tooth injury.

Our caring staff will make your child feel comfortable during their Ann Arbor dental visit.

In addition to offering experienced Ann Arbor kid’s dentistry, we are also a full-service Michigan dental clinic. We offer advice and care on Plymouth porcelain veneers, Belleville tooth implants, Saline teeth whitening, Ann Arbor tooth bonding, and restorative dentistry by Gary Sasaki DDS, MS.

We hope to be your Ann Arbor children’s dentist consultant.

Gary Sasaki DDS, MS
734-482-7466

October 21, 2008

Ann Arbor, Michigan Residents Visit the Dentist

Filed under: Dental Health,General Dentistry — Tags: , , , , — @ 8:28 am

Ypsilanti, Michigan Residents Visit the Dentist

Whether you have lived in Michigan for a long time, or just moving in to the Ann Arbor area; taking care of your teeth eventually involves a visit to the dentist. We are Gary Sasaki DDS, MS located at 1900 Packard Rd. in Ypsilanti, Michigan just minutes outside Ann Arbor, and our specialty is cosmetic and general dentistry.

You can reach Gary Sasaki DDS, MS by calling 734-482-7466.

Going to the dentist for the first time in the Ann Arbor area, or if you have not been for while, can be an unsettling experience for both kids and adults. The very idea of a ‘dentist’ seems to hold negative connotation for many people. If you are an adult who is moving to the Ann Arbor area, or your child is preparing to visit the dentist for the first time, here are a few tips that may help ease you into regular dental checkups and put you on the path toward increased oral health and wellness.

Choose an Ann Arbor cosmetic and general dentist who is appropriate for your needs. When you meet your new Ann Arbor dentist for the first time, make an effort to ask questions about the care you will receive. Ask questions that are relevant to your situation including questions about experience, age range of patients, and recommended procedures for any conditions you may have. Get to know your Ann Arbor dentist so you feel comfortable with the care you will receive.

Introduce yourself to your Ann Arbor dentist and get to know the office staff. Visiting the dentist will seem less of a chore when you feel you have trusted friends who are there to help.

Be prepared to provide your Ann Arbor dentist with information. Whether you are experiencing specific pain at that moment, or anticipating a problem, be sure to discuss everything with your dentist. Many patients become intimidated in the office environment and avoid expressing pain or discussing issues. As your dentist, I need to know everything you are experiencing and will be better prepared to help as you ask questions and express your concerns.

I understand that everyone is unique; what works for one person may not work for another. You know what works best for you, and the best way to have a good experience with an Ann Arbor dentist is to communicate. Let me know what you are experiencing so that I can make adjustments and help you feel more comfortable and secure.

At Gary Sasaki DDS, MS our comfortable, friendly, professional and relaxing staff will work to make your dental experience a pleasant one. We know it can be frightening to visit the dentist for the first time, or after a long while. We’ll do what we can to make you feel comfortable, secure, and among caring friends including complementary chairside hand of foot massage and other amenities to make your visit enjoyable.

If you are in Ann Arbor, Michigan and are ready to visit the dentist again, give us a call at 734-482-7466, or stop by to meet us; we’re excited to meet you.

-A Dental Spa to Transform Your Smile, Relax Your Body, and Rejuvenate

October 10, 2008

Healthy Teeth and Your Ann Arbor Diet

Filed under: Dental Health — Tags: , , , — @ 1:20 am

Healthy Teeth and Your Ann Arbor Diet

Maintaining healthy teeth is an important concern for our local Ann Arbor residents. As your Doctor, it’s my job to help you understand how to care for your teeth and to keep them healthy.

Everyone in the Ann Arbor knows that maintaining healthy teeth requires regular daily brushing and flossing. Regular visits to your local Ann Arbor dental practice is also necessary to keep watch for cavities and to help you maintain proper dental hygiene. We often forget that maintaining a healthy diet can also be beneficial for the health of your teeth.

An nutritious diet that includes foods that help your muscles and bones will also help you develop healthy gums and healthy teeth. Examples of local Ann Arbor foods to include in your diet include foods rich in vitamin B such as breads and cereals. Foods rich in vitamin C, usually fruits and vegetables, help improve the health of your gums. Zinc and magnesium are also good for the health of your teeth and are found in foods like lean beef, fish, and poultry.

All foods increase the production of saliva. Saliva is important to healthy teeth because it helps to maintain the pH balance in your mouth. Maintaining this balance helps keep your teeth and gums healthy. Foods high in fiber also encourage saliva production as does the chewing of sugar-free gum. Gum, however, can damage unhealthy teeth or pull out dental fillings, so always use caution when deciding whether to chew gum and which brand to chew.

Just as certain diet choices in the Ann Arbor area can be beneficial to the health of your teeth, others can be detrimental. Foods and drinks that are high in sugars are more likely to form the acids that attack your teeth and result in decay. And while table sugar is often associated with the formation of cavities, other sugars such as glucose, fructose, and maltose are also causes, and are often found in juices and sodas. Limiting the consumption of sugars to mealtimes lessens the amount of time your healthy teeth are exposed.

Making good diet choices and limiting between meal sugar consumption can improve the health of your teeth and gums.

If you would like to learn how to better care for your healthy teeth in the Ann Arbor area, contact Gary Sasaki DDS, MS at 734-482-7466. We would love to hear from you.

-Gary Sasaki

September 23, 2008

Your Michigan Dentist And Cleaning Your Teeth

Filed under: Dental Health — Tags: , , — @ 8:47 am

Your Michigan Dentist And Cleaning Your Teeth

Michigan is known for its beautiful smiles, and our local Ann Arbor community is no exception. Keeping your teeth clean is an important factor in maintaining your beautiful smile. One of the benefits of regularly visiting your local Ann Arbor Michigan dentist is a thorough teeth cleaning and a review of your brushing habits.

Our Ann Arbor dental hygienist helps you keep your teeth clean by assessing the condition of your teeth, and recommending improvements to your daily teeth cleaning habits. Our Ann Arbor oral hygienist can also professionally clean and polish your teeth at your regular dental check up. You should schedule a regular dental check up every six months.

I am the dentist at Gary Sasaki DDS, MS located in the state of Michigan. We specialize in cosmetic and general dentistry in the Ann Arbor, Michigan community, including the surrounding areas of Ypsilanti, Belleville and Saline.

Cleaning your teeth is the simple task of removing plaque (a sticky deposit that gets left on teeth in which bacteria thrives) and tartar (a calcium deposit that forms on teeth and aids in tooth decay). This is done by brushing regularly with a toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, and flossing. Brushing and flossing at least twice each day can keep plaque and tartar from building up on your teeth and results in cleaner, healthier teeth. A regular visit to your local Ann Arbor dental hygienist will help you stay on top of problems that can go unseen.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends visiting your local Ann Arbor, Michigan dentist at least once every 6 months for a regular dental check up and teeth cleaning. These regular visits to your Michigan dentist potentially prevent the undetected development of problems that can occur from neglecting to clean your teeth.

To keep that beautiful smile in good shape, come in for a dental check up and teeth cleaning at our Ann Arbor, Michigan cosmetic and general dentistry office.

Call Gary Sasaki DDS, MS to make an appointment. We are located minutes from Ann Arbor in Ypsilanti, Michigan. You can reach us right now at 734-482-7466.

Gary Sasaki

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