A Dentist is a medical professional who specializes in oral health. To become licensed in the state of Michigan a dentist has to complete 8 years of schooling and receive a DDM (Doctor of Dental Medicine) or a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) degree. Other specializations include:

• Endodontics (root canals)
• Oral and maxillofacial (including pathology, radiology, and surgery)
• Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics
• Pediatric dentistry (dental care for children)
• Periodontics (gum disease)
• Prosthodontics (implants)

Visiting the dentist regularly will help keep your teeth and gums healthy, as well as your entire body. Dental care is important because it:

• Helps prevent tooth decay
• Protects against gum disease, which can lead to tooth and bone loss
• Prevents bad breath
• Increases your self confidence by giving you a more attractive smile
• Helps keep teeth looking white by making them more resilient to staining

Although your teeth may feel fine a lot of problems can exist without you even knowing about them. Gum Disease an infection of the gums that can lead to bone and tooth loss is virtually pain free. Early cavities can be present without you even knowing about them. It is much more cost effective to preserve what you have rather than replacing what you have lost.

Every dental office is unique, before choosing which dentist is right for you, you should consider the following:

• Are our hours of operation convenient for you?
• Is the location of the office convenient for you?
• Office Cleanliness.
• Is the office up to date with current technology?
• How well does the dentist explain procedures to the patient?
• Are cost estimation given to you prior to completing work?
• Is your dentist a member of the ADA (American Dental Association)?

• Brush and floss regularly
• Use fluoride enhanced toothpaste.
• Avoid food and drink with high sugar content.
• Avoid excessive tobacco use.
• Brush your tongue regularly
• Attend your 6 month teeth cleaning appointment

It is recommended that children have their first appointment as soon as baby teeth to begin to erupt. After a child’s first appointment Dr. Cynthia Skiba recommends they keep up with their 6 month checkups.

Patients should be visiting Dr. Cynthia Skiba at least once every 6 months for their regular cleanings. This gives Dr. Cynthia Skiba the ability to examine your teeth for any new findings that may present themselves.

When bacteria form plaque on your teeth they secrete acid that eats away at the enamel. A cavity is the hole formed by the excessive decay that has destroyed the tooth’s outer shell of enamel. If a cavity is left untreated, the decay can begin to spread closer to the tooth’s root pulp and nerves. This can lead to infection and give rise to the need for a root canal.

A filling is the material used to fill the hole formed in the absence of the decay removed by your dentist. A filling can be made from metal or a composite material. If you need a filling be sure to talk to Dr. Cynthia Skiba to go over which material best suits you.

Dr. Cynthia Skiba recommends you follow the guidelines established by the American Dental Association. The American Dental Association urges patients to brush their teeth at least two times a day with a toothpaste containing fluoride. Dr. Cynthia Skiba Recommends brushing after each meal as well if possible.

Your toothbrush like all things will wear out, a worn out brush will not clean your teeth as well as a new one. Dr. Cynthia Skiba recommends that adults and children change their toothbrush every three months. 

Electric toothbrush heads may have a longer life expectancy so be sure to check the instruction manual to verify if you really do need to change your head as soon. If you have gum disease you have an excess of bacteria in your mouth and you should consider changing your toothbrush head every 4 to 6 months. 

After brushing thoroughly rinse cleanse your tooth brush head with hot water to kill any germs that may be growing from plaque removal. If you were sick recently you may want to consider changing your tooth brush as the germs may have found a new home in your toothbrush head.

Gum disease is the early stage of periodontal disease. Gum disease starts out with plaque building up at the gum line. The bacteria secrete acid that eats away at the tissue between your teeth and gums forming deep pockets in between your teeth and gums. If left untreated these pockets become very difficult to clean and can lead to tooth and bone loss. Special cleanings are required to properly care for this condition and prevent it from becoming even more of a problem. Early signs of gum disease included:

• Red Puffy Gums
• Bleeding Gums
• Loose Teeth
• Hot or cold sensitivity
• Gum Tissue Recession
• Infection

Dr. Cynthia Skiba stresses that orthodontic patients keep up on their oral hygiene. It is extremely important for patients with braces to come in for regular cleaning because food can build up in hard to reach places. Failure to attend regular cleanings can result in excessive decay.

To schedule your next checkup simply call our office! Our front desk staff will be more then happy to schedule you for an appointment. If this is your first time scheduling an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Skiba then let our office receptionist know prior to your appointment and we will provide you with the proper paperwork.