Facial Injuries

When you fall or get hit in the face, your upper and lower teeth may slam together, resulting in chipping, breakage, or pain. Additionally, about five million teeth are knocked out each year as a result of injury. Hitting the ground without proper protection can cause fractured teeth, knocked out teeth, jaw injuries, lip lacerations, a bitten tongue or lip, or nerve damage. Furthermore, when you get knocked in the jaw or chin, the force and vibration expels upwards toward your skull, which may result in a concussion.

Benefits of Mouth Guards

Studies show that an athlete is about 60 times more likely to suffer dental damage when not wearing a mouth guard. Here’s how a mouth guard can help protect your oral health:

• Mouth guards block opposing teeth and jaws from smacking against each other, thereby preventing extreme pressure.
• Mouth guards fit over your teeth to protect a cushion against frontal blows.
• Mouth guards repel and redistribute the forces of impact.
• Mouth guards separate the mandible and the maxilla to help decrease concussive effects.
• Biting down on a mouth guard helps stabilize the head and strengthen neck muscles.
• The sharp edges of your teeth may cut your lips, tongue, or cheeks, but a mouth guard acts as a barrier between your teeth and soft tissues to prevent lacerations and bruising.
• Studies show that mouth guards can improve athletic performance because proper protection makes players feel stronger and more confident.

Dr. Greenfield can provide a custom-fitted mouth guard to protect your smile from damage. Fortunately, if you suffer from broken or knocked out teeth, your Lake Orion dentist can restore your smile with dental crowns, implants, or bridges. Contact Lake Orion Family Dentistry in Lake Orion, Michigan, at (248) 693-6213 to schedule an appointment. We welcome families from Lake Orion, Oxford, Rochester Hills, Clarkston, and the surrounding communities.

Horace Wells

A Connecticut dentist named Horace Wells convinced his partner, John Riggs, to use nitrous oxide to extract his troublesome tooth. The extraction was a success and Wells felt no discomfort. He then attempted to demonstrate the use of nitrous oxide as an anesthetic at the Massachusetts General Hospital in 1845. However, during the demonstration, the gas bag was withdrawn too soon and the patient experienced pain. The audience booed Wells and left the room unimpressed, leaving Wells to face a lifetime of embarrassment.

William Morton

One of Horace Wells’ pupils, William Morton, witnessed the humiliating event and decided to try to perfect the procedure. In 1846, after experimenting with ether, a patient named Eben Frost came to Dr. Morton with a toothache. Morton used ether during the extraction and Frost remained comfortable during the operation. Soon later, Morton administered ether during a surgery at the Massachusetts General Hospital. After the procedure proved to be effective, the use of general anesthetics became widely accepted.

Current Sedation in Lake Orion

Dr. Greenfield offers sedation dentistry to help nervous patients have a comfortable dental experience. Your Lake Orion dentist may suggest nitrous oxide to relieve minor anxiety, oral sedation to enhance patient comfort, or IV sedation to help relax highly fearful patients. Today’s sedation methods are safe and effective. Your dental team will monitor your vital signs, comfort, and needs throughout your procedure to make sure you’re staying healthy. Dr. Greenfield will also evaluate your medical history to determine if sedation dentistry is right for you.

A fear of the dentist will prevent you from receiving the proper preventive care you need to keep your smile healthy. If you have any concerns or nerves about your appointment, contact Lake Orion Family Dentistry in Lake Orion, Michigan, at (248) 693-6213 to request a sedation consultation. We welcome families from Lake Orion, Oxford, Rochester Hills, Clarkston, and the surrounding communities.

What Happens During Teething?

During teething, primary teeth push up through the gums. The two bottom front teeth are usually the first teeth to appear. Teething can make your infant’s gums sore and swollen. As a result of the pain and discomfort, your child may become cranky or irritable. Babies may also drool more and bite on toys to relieve the tension on their gums. Dr. Greenfield offers these tips to relieve your infant’s teething discomfort and keep erupting teeth healthy:

• Rub your child’s gums with a soft, wet cloth to keep the area clean. Apply a gentle pressure or a cold rag to help soothe the pain.
• Buy your baby a teething ring. Biting on a teething ring can ease the pressure on their gums and jaws. Make sure you clean the toy each day to prevent bacterial growth and infection. Additionally, make sure your child doesn’t chew on anything that could be swallowed.
• Wipe your infant’s drool with a dry cloth to prevent skin irritation or rashes.
• As teeth begin to erupt, brush them gently with a soft toothbrush and water. Do not use fluoride toothpaste until around age three.

What Happens After Teething?

Take your child to visit Dr. Greenfield by age one. Your Lake Orion dentist will inspect your little one’s mouth for developing problems and introduce the process of regular oral care. Your child should have a full set of 20 primary teeth around age three. By age six, baby teeth will naturally begin to fall out and permanent teeth will grow in. If baby teeth fall out too early, adult teeth may not grow in properly. As children grow up, Dr. Greenfield may recommend dental sealants or fluoride supplements to keep their teeth healthy throughout life.

Lake Orion Family Dentistry loves kids! We can make your child’s dentist appointment comfortable and educational so your little one can have a healthy smile for life. Contact Lake Orion Family Dentistry in Lake Orion, Michigan, at (248) 693-6213 to request a Happy Visit for your child. We welcome families from Lake Orion, Oxford, Rochester Hills, Clarkston, and the surrounding communities.

1. How much of the human body is made up of water?
A. Ten percent
B. 60 percent
C. 90 percent

2. What is dehydration?
A. Lack of water
B. Too much water
C. Brain freeze

3. Which of the following is found in tap water?
A. Calories
B. Sugar
C. Fluoride

4. Which of the following is a benefit of water?
A. Energize body
B. Moisturize skin and mouth
C. Both A and B

Answers:

1. B. The human body is made up of 55 to 75 percent water, depending on the muscle and fat makeup of your body. Your body loses its natural water content through sweat, urination, breathing, vomiting, and other factors.

2. A. It’s important to replace the water your body loses to avoid becoming dehydrated. Dehydration causes weaknesses like dizziness, headaches, muscle cramps, fatigue, and thirst.

3. C. Fluoride is a necessary component for keeping tooth enamel strong. Although your toothpaste contains fluoride, tap water also provides a healthy and natural amount of fluoride.

4. C. Water helps replenish your body to boost your energy, keep your skin hydrated, improve concentration, aid in digestion, detoxify your body, and improve body strength. Oral health benefits include neutralizing your oral pH, rinsing away bacteria and food particles, and keeping your mouth moist.

Contact Dr. Greenfield to make sure you’re keeping your body and mouth hydrated this summer. Call Lake Orion Family Dentistry in Lake Orion, Michigan, at (248) 693-6213 to request an appointment. We welcome families from Lake Orion, Oxford, Rochester Hills, Clarkston, and the surrounding communities.

Lake Orion Dentist Office

• The office was easy to find: Agree
• The reception area was comfortable: Strongly Agree
• I didn’t have to wait long once I arrived at the office: Strongly Agree
• Once seated, my appointment was completed in a timely fashion: Strongly Agree
• The office was clean and up to date: Strongly Agree
• I would gladly refer others to the practice: Strongly Agree

Our state-of-the-art dental facility provides comfortable dental care for patients of all ages. Dr. Greenfield practices holistic dentistry to protect our patients’ health. We offer preventive, restorative, cosmetic, and sedation dentistry to cater to all your dental needs. As we like to say, our dentist office in Lake Orion is “close to home, but far from ordinary!”

Lake Orion Dental Staff

• When I arrived, I was greeted in a friendly and timely manner: Strongly Agree
• All members of the office staff were friendly and courteous: Strongly Agree
• When my appointment was over, I had a good understanding of my dental situation: Strongly Agree
• Overall, I am quite satisfied with the care I received at the practice: Strongly Agree
• “Since it had been awhile since my last cleaning, I was nervous about it, but Ronda was great and very friendly!”
• “Dr. Greenfield was also great and helped my fears about future work I need to have done.”
• “Rose was a great smiling face to walk into and be welcomed!”

Our front office staff, registered dental hygienists, certified dental assistants, and Lake Orion dentist are all devoted to creating a warm, friendly, and comfortable environment from the moment you walk in the door. Our team is highly trained and experienced to treat your mouth and provide the quality dental care you deserve.

Amanda was “very happy and satisfied with [her] visit,” and you can be, too! To leave your feedback or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Greenfield, contact Lake Orion Family Dentistry in Lake Orion, Michigan, at (248) 693-6213. We welcome families from Lake Orion, Oxford, Rochester Hills, Clarkston, and the surrounding communities.

Dental Care During Pregnancy

Expectant mothers need to protect their babies before they are born. During pregnancy, hormonal changes can inflame your gums. A condition known as pregnancy gingivitis can develop during the second or third month of pregnancy. If left untreated, the inflammation could worsen into periodontitis. Studies show that women with periodontal disease are seven times more likely to have a premature birth. Your oral bacteria can spread to the placenta or amniotic fluid, harming your baby and inducing labor. If you have gum disease, your Lake Orion dental hygienists can perform a scaling and root planing procedure to clean your gum line and periodontal pockets.

Dental Care After Pregnancy

Children should visit Dr. Greenfield before the age of two. This first “happy visit” will help your child adjust to the sounds, smells, look, people, and procedures associated with our dental office. As your children age, Dr. Greenfield can check their young mouths for evolving dental problems, and he may suggest fluoride supplements or dental sealants to keep their young teeth strong. Additionally, we can teach both you and your little ones good oral health habits to ensure healthy mouths from childhood through adulthood. We will work with your needs to create a comfortable dental experience for your whole family.

If your children are nervous or scared about visiting the dentist, we can calm their nerves with gentle sedation. Dr. Greenfield provides comfortable dental care for patients of all ages. Contact Lake Orion Family Dentistry at (248) 693-6213 to request an appointment for your family. We welcome children, teens, and adults from Lake Orion, Oxford, Rochester Hills, Clarkston, and surrounding communities.

Beautiful Smiles Improve Appearance

• About 96 percent of people agree that a smile is very important to a person’s appearance. Smiling at your interview makes you seem more enthusiastic, energetic, and friendlier. However, a smile is more effective if it looks good. A recent survey by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry revealed that discolored teeth, missing teeth, and crooked teeth were the most unattractive smile features. Dr. Greenfield’s cosmetic treatments will help improve your smile and image.
• Approximately 40 percent of people admit that they notice a person’s smile before eyes, clothing, and hair. Additionally, straightness, color, and cleanliness of teeth were the top features noticed in a smile.
• About 83 percent of people interact with co-workers on a daily basis, and 76 percent of professionals interact with clients, customers, or vendors. A great smile can improve your personal and professional relationships. In fact, 42 percent of employees say the least attractive feature about their co-workers is not smiling, followed by 32 percent who are most turned off by bad breath.

Healthy Smiles Increase Performance

• Studies show that people who smile are more likely to get promoted than colleagues who don’t smile. Research also suggests that people who practice healthy dental hygiene are more motivated and pay more attention to details, thereby improving their performances and efficiency.
• More than three-quarters of employees eat at least twice a day at the workplace, but only 14 percent of professionals brush their teeth after eating. More than 50 percent of women report brushing at work, compared with only 37 percent of men. The Academy of General Dentistry says that leaving an extra toothbrush at the office will increase your likelihood of brushing by 65 percent.
• Adults miss about 164 million hours of work each year due to dental problems and procedures. Poor oral health can distract from your duties, but keeping your mouth healthy will help improve your concentration and attendance. Furthermore, studies show that employers who offer company health insurance and employee wellness programs have healthier and more successful employees.

Visit Dr. Greenfield to enhance your smile so you can land your dream career. Contact Lake Orion Family Dentistry at (248) 693-6213 to request an appointment. We welcome families from Lake Orion, Oxford, Rochester Hills, Clarkston, and surrounding communities.

Dental Hygiene

While away at college, many students increase their consumption of sugary snacks, alcoholic beverages, and energy drinks—all of which contribute to tooth decay and gum disease. Additionally, many students get so overwhelmed with their academics that they neglect proper dental hygiene. Peer pressure and homework assignments may stress your student and cause bruxism. As your child packs for college,  make sure these products are included in the suitcase:

• Toothbrush
• Floss
• Mouthwash
• Tongue scraper
• Mouth guard

Furthermore, remind your child to schedule a professional cleaning and checkup with Dr. Greenfield when he or she comes home for breaks and vacations.

Cosmetic Improvements

Children go to college to excel in a great career, but studies show that a bright smile may influence their accomplishments. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry reports that people who smile are more popular and more successful than their serious peers. Dr. Greenfield offers gift certificates to our Lake Orion dentist office so graduates can select the cosmetic treatment they desire.

• Teeth whitening
• Porcelain veneers
• Cosmetic bonding

Dr. Greenfield will help keep your child’s smile bright and healthy from childhood through adulthood. Contact Lake Orion Family Dentistry at (248) 693-6213 to schedule an appointment. We welcome families from Lake Orion, Oxford, Rochester Hills, Clarkston, and surrounding communities.

1. Which of the following areas is not included in oral cancer?

A. Tongue
B. Lips
C. Throat
D. Brain

2. Which activity does NOT increase the risk of oral cancer?

A. Smoking
B. Flossing
C. Drinking alcohol
D. Sunbathing

3. Which system helps Dr. Greenfield detect oral cancer?

A. CEREC
B. Piezosurgery
C. VELscope
D. Oral sedation

4. Which of the following is NOT a symptom of oral cancer?

A. Mouth sores or lumps
B. Tooth stains
C. Ear pain
D. Change in color of oral tissues

Answers:

1. D. Oral cancer involves the formation of malignant tumors in the oral cavity. The affected area includes lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, floor or root of mouth, and throat.

2. B. Risk factors for oral cancer include tobacco and alcohol use, sun exposure, poor diet, and HPV. Research also shows that men and people over the age of 55 are more likely to develop oral cancer. To prevent oral cancer, you should practice proper daily hygiene, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and visit Dr. Greenfield regularly.

3. C. Dr. Greenfield uses VELscope to screen for oral cancer. The VELscope wand shines a light in the mouth and detects tissue abnormalities. Catching oral cancer early improves the chances of a healthy treatment, recovery, and survival.

4. B. Common symptoms of oral cancer include mouth sores that don’t heal, lesions that bleed easily, change in the color of oral tissues, lumps or thickening of oral tissues, white or red patches, difficulty chewing or swallowing, constant earaches, and tenderness or pain anywhere in the mouth.

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, one person dies from oral cancer every hour. Dr. Greenfield recommends receiving an annual VELscope screening to help save your life. Contact Lake Orion Family Dentistry at (248) 693-6213 to request an oral cancer analysis. We welcome patients from Lake Orion, Oxford, Rochester Hills, Clarkston, and surrounding communities.

Disinfection

If you fell on the ground during exercise or sports, dab a little mouthwash on your injury. Think about it—mouthwash helps kill the bacteria in your mouth that cause infection. Similarly, the antiseptic can be applied to cuts, scrapes, and wounds to clean the area and prevent contamination. Mouthwash can also help reduce the appearance of bruises to promote faster healing. Keep in mind that the alcohol content found in many mouthwashes may sting your skin a little. Furthermore, running a soft toothbrush along your skin can help remove dry flakes and exfoliate your skin.

Relief

If you’re “going green” by camping or gardening, you will be around a lot of bugs and plants. Mouthwash and toothpaste can both help soothe bee stings and reduce the itchiness from bug bites and poison ivy. These hygiene products also absorb oil to help dry out blisters and pimples. Athletes and joggers may also appreciate that mouthwash can dry out and heal athlete’s foot. Furthermore, the great outdoors may irritate your sinuses—which can contribute to tooth pain. If your teeth feel sensitive or painful, visit Dr. Greenfield to diagnose the problem.

Freshness

You may be dirty or sweaty after playing outside. Mouthwash generally has a powerful smell and taste that kills the foul bacteria that cause bad breath. Likewise, the minty smell acts as a natural deodorant. You can swab your armpits with a dab of mouthwash to destroy the bacteria that causes perspiration odor. You can also wash your hands with soap, water, and mouthwash to help remove dirt and oil to keep your skin fresh. Furthermore, when you’re washing your dirty clothes, add a cup of mouthwash to your laundry to help destroy the bacteria lingering in your wash.

Protection

In addition to Earth awareness, April is also Facial Protection Month. Dr. Greenfield wants to acknowledge the dental items necessary in protecting your health. First and foremost, all your dental hygiene products help clean and protect your smile. Other useful oral products include athletic mouth guards to prevent facial injuries, and protective lip balms to avoid dry lips from the warm sun.

As a holistic dentist in Lake Orion, Dr. Greenfield encourages you to celebrate and conserve the environment. However, he also promotes proper dental hygiene to keep your smile and body healthy. To schedule a dentist appointment in Lake Orion, contact Lake Orion Family Dentistry at (248) 693-6213. We welcome patients from Lake Orion, Oxford, Rochester Hills, Clarkston, and surrounding communities.