How Does Your Workout Affect Your Smile? Athletes and Oral Health
February 15, 2015
While your teeth may be the last things on your mind when you gear up to hit the gym, a recent study has uncovered a vital connection between oral health and strenuous exercise. At the Flint, MI dental practice of Dr. Chitra P. Naik, Dr. Naik and her team are committed to helping our patients achieve and maintain optimal oral health, and today we’d like to talk about how exercising – particularly running – impacts the health of your teeth and gums.
Why Do Athletes Have More Cavities?
A 2014 study published in the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports found that athletes –especially those who engaged in distance running on a regular basis – had a higher incidence of enamel erosion and tooth decay than their peers who were non-athletic. This was found to be directly related to pH levels in their mouths; a decreased pH level (one that falls below 5.5) has been linked to a higher risk for cavities and gum disease. It is believed that the lower pH levels were caused by a diet high in carbohydrates, including sports drinks and energy bars frequently consumed before and during workouts.
In addition, breathing through the mouth – a habit of many runners – decreases saliva levels. Saliva is necessary for good oral health; it actively protects the enamel from acidic bacteria. While the study certainly offers insight into why athletes tend to suffer from more tooth decay, the results should not be used to deter anyone from pursuing a healthy and active lifestyle. They simply further support the belief that runners and other athletes should visit the dentist often for routine checkups and cleanings to ensure continued oral health.
Schedule Your Next Visit Today
If you or someone in your family exercises regularly, it’s important to remember that your teeth and gums require special care to stay healthy. Contact us today to schedule your consultation with Dr. Naik, and learn more about how our general and preventive dentistry solutions can help you avoid cavities, periodontal disease, and more. Our family-friendly dental practice in Flint, MI warmly welcomes patients from throughout the surrounding communities in Flushing, Davison, Fenton, Ortonville, and beyond. We look forward to seeing your smile!
Find Real Relief from Migraines & Jaw Pain with TMJ Therapy in Flint, MI
December 16, 2014
Do you often awaken in the morning with a splitting headache? Perhaps you suffer from persistent pain in your jaw, face, neck, and shoulders. Though you may not be aware of it, you may be affected by a condition known as temporomandibular joint disorder, or TMJ dysfunction. This condition is responsible for a variety of unpleasant symptoms, and it can lead to lasting damage to the joints that allow your jaw to move freely. At the Flint, MI dental practice of Dr. Chitra P. Naik, we offer a wide selection of preventive dentistry solutions, including TMJ therapy.
How Do I Know if I Need TMJ Therapy?
TMJ disorder is characterized by the repetitive, subconscious clenching of the jaws. It may be accompanied by bruxism, or teeth grinding. The muscles, nerves, and cartilage discs of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) grow irritated and damaged over time due to the constant pressure exerted by the jaw.
A one-on-one consultation with Dr. Naik will determine the underlying cause of your pain, marking the beginning of a journey toward improved comfort and oral health. While this careful evaluation is the only way to definitively diagnose TMJ disorder, there are some common symptoms that you can keep an eye out for at home. Patients suffering from TMJ disorder typically report experiencing one or more of the following symptoms on a regular basis:
- Pain that originates in the jaw and radiates throughout the face
- A clicking or popping sound or sensation when opening and closing the mouth
- A difference in the way your upper and lower teeth fit together
- Jaw that becomes locked in one position
- Pain while yawning or chewing
- Frequent headaches, often accompanied by sensitivity in the temple and sides of the skull
- Sore, achy, or strained feeling in muscles of the neck, shoulders, and back
In order to relieve you of the pain and potential damage caused by teeth clenching, Dr. Naik may provide you with a custom-fitted oral appliance. This comfortable splint is typically worn at night or whenever you tend to clench your jaw the most. The majority of patients recognize an improvement in their level of comfort within days of using their appliance. We want to help you experience the same kind of relief.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
Do you suspect that you may be suffering from TMJ disorder? Don’t spend another day suffering with the discomfort and aching pains associated with teeth clenching; contact our office today to schedule your visit with Dr. Naik and her caring, compassionate team. Dr. Naik will perform a full assessment of your teeth, gums, and jaw to determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend a treatment plan that best suits your needs, lifestyle, and budget. Conveniently located in Flint, MI, our state-of-the-art dental practice warmly welcomes families from throughout the surrounding areas, including Flushing, Fenton, Ortonville, Davison, and beyond. We genuinely look forward to serving you!
Have a Bright, White Christmas with Holiday Teeth Whitening from Dr. Naik
November 10, 2014
The holiday season is the time of year we celebrate giving and sharing. Among the most precious gifts we can give our loved ones this season, is a warm and loving smile. But if you’re missing your bright and confident smile because of stained and discolored teeth, Dr. Naik has the teeth whitening solution for you. You can make an appointment with Dr. Naik today, to show of a bright and confident smile this holiday season. Dr. Naik restores smiles daily for patients throughout Flint, MI, Davison, Flushing, Ortonville, Fenton, and nearby areas.
Holiday Teeth Whitening Solutions from Dr. Naik
Our teeth can become discolored, yellowed, and stained over time from consuming acidic foods and beverages. Although discoloration and staining is hard to avoid, it’s very simple to treat, if you choose the right teeth whitening system. If you’ve tried and failed to whiten your teeth with ineffective teeth whitening toothpastes, gels, strips, or rinses, you need to make an appointment with Dr. Naik today. She can solve your teeth whitening problem once and for all. These products claim to be able to whiten your teeth. However, many of them don’t have the bleaching power needed to eliminate discoloration. The truth is that with most of these products, it takes several weeks of daily use to achieve the same results that Dr. Naik can offer in just one hour.
Quick and Easy Holiday Teeth Whitening in Flint, MI
Dr. Naik understands how frustrating it can be to get rid of long standing staining and discoloration. That’s why she offers a permanent teeth whitening solution with the professional and in-office Zoom teeth whitening system. Unlike over-the-counter teeth whitening solutions that over promise and under-deliver, you can eliminate years of staining and get your teeth several shades whiter in just one visit with Dr. Naik. If you prefer at-home teeth whitening, Dr. Naik also offers an easy take-home teeth whitening solution. You’re in good hands when you make an appointment with Dr. Naik. Since 1995, she has been a trusted provider of quality dental care for the Flint, MI area. Dr. Naik proudly serves patients throughout Flint, MI, Davison, Flushing, Ortonville, Fenton, and the surrounding communities.
Take Care of Your Smile with Preventive Dentistry in Flint, MI
October 10, 2014
The old adage, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” is true with many health matters and oral health is no exception. The American Dental Association recommends twice yearly check-ups for adults and children, so that your can dentist can spot any concerns and treat appropriately before they become problems. Dr. Chitra P. Naik and her team in Flint, MI, are ready to provide you and your entire family with the preventive dentistry you need to maintain oral health and general health.
Dr. Naik: Your Partner in Preventive Dentistry
Successful preventive dentistry is actually a partnership between you and your dentist. Optimal oral health requires at-home care—your part—and regular in-office visits with Dr. Naik. Daily brushing and flossing at home is basic oral care. In fact, this basic should begin as soon as a child’s first tooth appears. Good habits start early!
In the office, Dr. Naik and her colleagues will pick up where you leave off in preventive dentistry. At a check-up, we will provide a professional cleaning to remove plaque and stains; a thorough examination of your teeth, gums and oral cavity; and when necessary, we’ll take x-rays in order to spot problems that are not visible to the naked eye, such as cavities and problems below the gum line.
At your preventive dentistry check-ups, Dr. Naik will also check for any abnormal signs of wear and tear on your teeth that may be caused by teeth grinding and clenching, or bruxism. If found, Dr. Naik will prescribe a night guard to wear during sleep when bruxism usually occurs. Likewise, if you or one of your children is active in sports, Dr. Naik will create a custom-fitted athletic mouthguard.
Contact Our Office Today for an Appointment
If it’s time for you or someone you care for to see the dentist for a preventive dentistry check-up call the office of Dr. Naik today. We’ll be happy to assist you. Our office serves patients in Flint, MI, and Flushing, Davison, Fenton, Ortonville and beyond.
How Porcelain Veneers Can Transform Your Smile with Dr. Chitra Naik
September 9, 2014
When you think of a “perfect” smile, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Straight, healthy teeth in a brilliant shade of white are the fundamental components of any radiant smile, but not everyone is born with these highly coveted dental features. Fortunately, there is a way to enjoy a flawless smile without extensive dental work. Porcelain veneers from Dr. Chitra Naik’s dental practice in Flint, MI can help you smile with complete comfort and confidence.
Why Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are one of the most versatile cosmetic dentistry procedures available, instantly changing the appearance of a smile for the best. First, Dr. Naik will discuss your expectations and preferences during a one-on-one consultation. We invite you to bring in some photos of smiles that you like; think celebrities, favorite actors, models, and the like. This will help us better develop a custom look just for you. During your first appointment, the front surfaces of your teeth will be prepared to accept your custom veneers. Temporaries will be provided for the interim between your first and final visits.
At your second and last visit, your custom porcelain veneers will be placed. These wafer-thin layers of tooth-colored porcelain are shaped, sized, and shaded to create a gorgeous smile that still looks completely natural. Porcelain veneers from Dr. Naik are commonly used to cover the following dental flaws:
- Deep stains and resistant yellowing
- Cracks in enamel
- Chipped teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Teeth that are misshapen or too small
- An excessively “gummy” smile
Reclaim Your Beautiful Smile Today
Whether you have a single cracked tooth or your entire smile needs some cosmetic help to look its best, Dr. Chitra Naik can help. Contact our office in Flint, MI to schedule your appointment today, and discover the dramatic difference that porcelain veneers and our other cosmetic dentistry solutions can make in the appearance of your smile. We look forward to serving you! Our welcoming office in Flint, MI treats patients from throughout the surrounding areas as well, including Flushing, Davison, Fenton, Ortonville, and beyond.