http://drlembree.com/blog Dr. Deric A Lembree from Livonia, Michigan Tue, 06 Jul 2010 19:19:41 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Decayed teeth may or may not cause a toothache, depending on the location and depth of the decay.  For example, if the cavity is in the tooth enamel- the outer layer of the tooth- you probably wouldn't feel a thing.  It's only after the decay continues through the enamel to ... http://drlembree.com/blog/?p=76 Seniors are living longer than ever, and happily, preserving their natural teeth longer than previous generations, too.  The inevitable inconvenience of tooth loss in senior years is fading, as seniors today are recognizing that vigilant oral hygiene combats age-related tooth loss. The understanding that tooth loss is due to oral disease, ... http://drlembree.com/blog/?p=74 Pregnancy and its related hormonal changes exaggerate the effects from plaque irritants.  And the acids in plaque can lead to tooth decay, gingivitis, and if neglected, eventual tooth loss.  A healthy diet, daily tooth brushing and flossing, and a continued- even increased- schedule of regular dental hygiene visits are especially ... http://drlembree.com/blog/?p=72 Although the sucking reflex is very natural and common in young children, the presence of such a habit in a growing child may influence skeletal and dental development adversely, causing serious orthodontic concerns.  Thumb sucking  and similar habits may  affect as much as 75% of young children, and up to ... http://drlembree.com/blog/?p=70 Despite the fact that periodontal (gum) disease begins between the teeth, and flossing is the best way to keep those areas clean, toothbrushing remains the primary method of oral hygiene.  However, people do not spend adequate time brushing.  Average toothbrushing time is between 30 and 60 seconds. Recent studies have shown ... http://drlembree.com/blog/?p=67 Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive disease making breathing difficult.    It is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States.  According to the National Institutes of Health, more than 12 million people are currently diagnosed with COPD and there are likely just as many more who ... http://drlembree.com/blog/?p=65 A new article has linked subgingival bacteria (the main component of plaque) to heart disease.  Cardiovascular diseases (CVD's) are still the most common cause of death in industrialized countries.  Known risk factors for CVD's include smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and male gender.  However, accumulating evidence points to a ... http://drlembree.com/blog/?p=63 What are dental implants? Implants are man-made 'anchors' that look like cylinders or screws.  They are artificial replacements for natural tooth roots. Implants are used in upper and lower jaws.  They are made of titanium and other materials that are compatible with the human body.  They attach to the jawbone and gum ... http://drlembree.com/blog/?p=61 Bad breath, or 'halitosis' can be an embarrassing problem.  Here are a few tips to help reduce it: Stay hydrated.  Drink a lot a water. Chew sugarless gum. Brush your tongue. Brush daily for 2-3 minutes. Floss daily Get regular cleanings, as advised by your dentist. Have a dentist or hygienist make sure your dental work is ... http://drlembree.com/blog/?p=59 Use a soft toothbrush. Brush with a sensitive toothpaste or one with enhanced remineralization properties. Chew sugarless gum with remineralization properties. Use a fluoride mouthwash 1-2 times a day. Avoid placing too much pressure on the toothbrush while brushing.  Use a light grip. Limit acidic foods/beverages such as soda pop, citrus fruits and their juice, ... http://drlembree.com/blog/?p=56