That is why our dentist, Dr. Joseph Szymczak with MI Roots Family Dental in Grand Rapids, Michigan, is happy to give you advice on the proper way to brush your teeth.

Here are some tips and tricks for brushing your teeth correctly:

-Are you using a toothbrush that has been contaminated or left on its side? It may be covered in germs and bacteria, so get rid of it.

-If your toothbrush has worn down and the bristles are no longer long enough to efficiently clean, replace your toothbrush.

-Clean your teeth twice every day. Avoid cleaning your teeth after eating.

-To keep your mouth safe from dental abrasion, avoid pressing too hard with your toothbrush.

-Generally, a good toothbrush to use is one that can reach all areas of your mouth with soft, gentle brushes and bristles.

-For additional care keeping your mouth clean, visit your dentist for biannual cleaning treatments.

Brushing your teeth will fight against cavities, halitosis, and gum disease. If you are in need of a dental checkup, or if you have questions about your oral health, please call us today at 616-453-0002 to make an appointment. Our friendly dental team is always ready to help keep your teeth healthy.

The post Brush Your Teeth Correctly first appeared on MI Roots Family Dental.

Tooth decay can attack your smile at any time, even if you take all the defenses you can to prevent it. Did you know, sticky plaque bacteria can develop on your teeth and can eat away at your tooth enamel? Well, it’s true! If cavities are left untreated, the tooth decay will work through your teeth causing you a host of problems.

Usually, there is no sign or indication of increasing pain or sensitivity until the decay grows so broad or deep, it goes in the nerves of the tooth. Tooth decay can also spread very fast putting other teeth at risk as well. If you catch a cavity early, then your dentist may be able to restore your teeth quickly. If not, there are other options such as dental fillings or dental crowns to repair the damage. The central thing to remember about tooth decay is to correct it as soon as possible, so you can avoid long-term problems in your future.

As you can see, cavities can do more damage to your smile than most people expect. If you need help fighting your cavities, then call us today at 616-453-0002. Let our MI Roots Family Dental team help fight your battle against tooth decay for you.

The post The Harmful Power of Tooth Decay first appeared on MI Roots Family Dental.

If you have suffered an oral emergency that has resulted in catastrophic damage to your jaw, do not panic. If a tooth has been knocked out, there may be a chance it can still be saved. Immediately find the tooth and place it in a tooth-saving liquid such as Save-A-Tooth or milk. Once stored in a liquid, take the tooth to your dentist where he may be able to reinsert it once again back into your mouth. If the tooth dries out, you won’t have very much success with it being reinserted.

If you have suffered from a tooth that was knocked loose, make sure to clean the area around the tooth if bleeding is present. Apply gauze pads to stop the bleeding. Rinse out the area of any debris to prevent the rise of infections.

If you notice signs of damage to your smile, fortunately, it can be treated. MI Roots Family Dental remains committed to your oral health. You are welcome to book an appointment with us by calling 616-453-0002. Stop by our dentist office in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Dr. Joseph Szymczak and our team will give you the treatment you need. Don’t delay, now is the best time to upgrade your smile.

The post Smile Basics: Oral Emergencies first appeared on MI Roots Family Dental.

– Dental crowns are an amazing choice when other cosmetic options may not be possible.
– Dental crowns can conceal and protect teeth that are damaged.
– Typically, a dental crown can last up to two decades, but it is possible if they are taken care of adequately, they can last an entire lifetime.
– Many other cosmetic dentistry treatments can be held or covered by dental crowns, including implants, bridges, and root canals.
– In some cases, a dental filling may need to be placed in a tooth to fix a cavity, but there may not be enough tooth remaining. In those situations, dental crowns can be used to cover the tooth for additional support.
– If you have any teeth that are cracked or broken, the bits of the tooth can be saved and bound together with dental crowns.

If you would like to experience the life-changing transformation that dental crowns can provide, please stop by MI Roots Family Dental for an oral exam from Dr. Joseph Szymczak and our team at our amazing dentist facility in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Schedule your visit by calling us at 616-453-0002. We look forward to helping you soon!

The post Dental Crowns and Why They Are Needed first appeared on MI Roots Family Dental.

One of the biggest risks of a teen’s life is due to peer pressure. Peer pressure is frequently the downfall of many amazing smiles, not because people make the wrong decisions, but rather because they find themselves making choices simply to appeal to others, which often comes back to haunt them. If you are not careful, peer pressure can make you take unnecessary risks with both your life and your smile.

One of the biggest oral health risks caused by peer pressure is due to bad habits. Numerous habits such as smoking and chewing tobacco, or using drugs, are destined to destroy your mouth, with no real reward for doing them. Forgo peer pressure risks if they seek to put your teeth and gums at risk, as a damaged smile is not an effective way to kick off adulthood.

If you would like to speak with Dr. Joseph Szymczak and our team about teenage dentistry from a dentist in Grand Rapids, Michigan, please schedule an appointment at our dentist office of MI Roots Family Dental, by calling 616-453-0002. Let us help you find your healthy smile!

The post Oral Health Essentials: Teenage Dentistry first appeared on MI Roots Family Dental.

Dentures are artificial tooth replacements customized and crafted to replace a few teeth or even entire rows. They are detachable and adjustable by your dentist, so if discomfort is felt, they can be easily replaced with a better-fitting pair. For the best oral hygiene, a person should soak their dentures in a denture cleaning solution or plain water every night. Never let dentures lay out or they will dry up and fail.

When a person loses their teeth, their facial structure will slightly cave in and they begin to look much older than they are. Dentures can reinstate a person’s facial structure and return the lost youth to their face. Furthermore, gaps caused by missing teeth can become a haven for plaque buildup, which can lead to further tooth decay and gum disease.  Dentures remove this safe space for harmful debris and keep your mouth cleaner for longer.

If you would like to schedule a denture exam session at MI Roots Family Dental, simply call our dentist office in Grand Rapids, Michigan, at our number 616-453-0002. Dr. Joseph Szymczak and our entire team await. The wait is over, come get your perfect smile today!

The post Fun Facts About Dentures first appeared on MI Roots Family Dental.

– A single dental bridge can last up to ten years, or even as long as a lifetime, but it should be repaired or replaced as necessary.
– Oftentimes, missing teeth can cause a person’s facial structure to sink in, which will make them look older and weaker than they truly are. Dental bridges can restore your facial structure and your natural look.
– Dental bridges prevent other teeth from moving out of position, which can often occur when there is not a full set of teeth in place.
– Dental bridges lower your risk for malocclusions and misalignments, which can often develop when there are teeth missing from a dental profile.
– Dental bridges can improve lost or impaired functions caused by missing teeth, such as chewing, eating, and speaking functions.

No matter which tooth replacement you choose, Dr. Joseph Szymczak and our team at MI Roots Family Dental will make sure that your smile is properly treated. To schedule an oral exam or professional cleaning at our dentist office in Grand Rapids, Michigan, please contact us at 616-453-0002. A healthy smile is a happy smile!

The post Restore Your Smile with a Dental Bridge first appeared on MI Roots Family Dental.

– Dental veneers can enhance the look of your smile.

– Veneers can cause your self-esteem to skyrocket and encourage a more positive self-image.

– Veneers can fill in holes in your smile left by lost teeth.

– Veneers are beneficial for making you look younger and feel younger too.

– Dental veneers are extremely durable and withstand heavy wear and tear for nearly ten years.

– Dental veneers can correct minor malocclusions and spacing issues with your teeth.

– Dental veneers can cover cracks, fractures, stains, and imperfections visible on the fronts of your teeth.

– A dental veneer can be placed on a single tooth or designed with veneers for each tooth of an entire row for a complete smile makeover.

If you would like to schedule a dental veneers treatment with Dr. Joseph Szymczak and the rest of our team at MI Roots Family Dental, simply call our dentist office at 616-453-0002 for an appointment in Grand Rapids, Michigan. We will do our best to help you in any way we can!

The post Oral Hygiene Topic: Dental Veneers first appeared on MI Roots Family Dental.

– A number of diseases and illnesses cause bad breath, including respiratory tract infections and liver and kidney problems.
– One of the easiest and quickest ways to eradicate most common types of bad breath is by using mouthwash.
– Plaque buildup that sticks around in your mouth can cause bad breath.
– Bad breath can be produced by poor oral hygiene habits such as the forgetting to floss and brush daily.
– Medications that contain dry mouth symptoms can cause bad breath.
– If you have an underlying disease such as periodontal disease, also called gum disease, it may be creating your bad breath.

If you would like to experience the life-changing transformation that our oral health treatments can provide, please stop by MI Roots Family Dental for an oral exam from Dr. Joseph Szymczak and our team at our amazing dentist facility in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Schedule your visit by calling us at 616-453-0002. Thanks for stopping by, and have a wonderful day!

The post Bad Breath Could Be the Sign of an Oral Infection first appeared on MI Roots Family Dental.

– Have you ever been told that you snore or grind and clench your teeth loudly?
– Do you have teeth that look flattened or chipped and loose?
– Is your tooth enamel worn down leading to an increase in tooth sensitivity?
– Do you ever experience jaw pain or soreness when you wake up?
– Do you have any damage to the insides of your cheeks from unconsciously chewing on them through the night?
– Have you been diagnosed with sleep apnea or TMJ?
– Do you ever have pain that feels like an earache, but it’s not caused by your ear?
– Do you have any indentations on your tongue?
– Do you have a locked jaw that won’t open or close completely?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be at an increased risk for bruxism. Our team is here to help you with all your oral health needs. For a complete diagnosis from Dr. Joseph Szymczak and our team at our dentist office in Grand Rapids, Michigan, you can schedule an appointment by calling us at 616-453-0002. We look forward to helping you smile.

The post Do You Experience Any of the Following Symptoms of Bruxism? first appeared on MI Roots Family Dental.