Lakes Family Dentistry

05/31/2026

The difference between healthy gums and gum disease often lies beneath the surface.

As gum disease progresses, bacteria and inflammation can gradually damage the gums, periodontal ligament, and supporting jawbone. Over time, gums may recede, periodontal pockets can deepen, bone levels may decline, and teeth can become less stable. Because this process usually develops slowly, many people are unaware that significant damage is occurring.

One of the biggest concerns is that this damage often develops silently, with few noticeable symptoms in its early stages. Early diagnosis, effective plaque control, and regular dental care can help protect the structures that keep teeth healthy and stable for life.

05/31/2026

We see your babies as soon as they get their baby teeth around 6 months of age.

The American Dental Association recommends that a child’s first dental visit happen soon after the first tooth erupts — and no later than the first birthday.

Many parents wait until a child complains of pain or develops visible cavities, but dental problems can begin much earlier than most people realize.

Early dental visits help monitor oral development, identify signs of tooth decay, guide parents on feeding and brushing habits, and build healthy routines from the start.

Baby teeth are temporary, but they play a major role in chewing, speech development, jaw growth, and guiding permanent teeth into place.

Preventive dental care should begin early — not after problems appear.

05/31/2026

Summer is almost here. What a way to start it with clean healthy teeth.
Call and make your appointment today. 248-363-8285

05/31/2026

Healthy gums keep YOU healthy!

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🦷 The Anatomy of Gum Disease

05/31/2026

A new study found that children who continued thumb sucking or pacifier use for longer periods were significantly more likely to develop anterior open bite.

A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis published in BMC Oral Health analyzed data from 33 studies and found a clear association between prolonged non-nutritive sucking habits and anterior open bite—a condition in which the upper and lower front teeth do not properly meet when the mouth is closed.

Researchers also found that the longer these habits persisted, the greater the risk became. Daily pacifier use showed one of the strongest associations with open bite development.

Thumb sucking and pacifier use are common during early childhood and are often normal developmental behaviors. However, when these habits continue for extended periods, they may gradually influence the way the teeth and jaws develop.

Source: Wang Y, et al. Association between non-nutritive sucking habits and anterior open bite: A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Oral Health. 2025.

05/25/2026

Many parents worry when they see spaces between their child’s baby teeth. But in most cases, those small gaps are actually a healthy sign.

Baby teeth are naturally smaller than permanent teeth. As a child grows, the jaws also grow and create extra space to prepare for the much larger adult teeth that will erupt later. That’s why dentists often like to see some spacing between baby teeth during early childhood.

When baby teeth are very tight together with little or no spacing, there may be less room available for the permanent teeth in the future. This can increase the likelihood of crowding, overlapping, or crooked teeth as adult teeth begin to come in.

Of course, spacing alone cannot perfectly predict future orthodontic needs, but it can give important clues about how the teeth and jaws are developing.

Sometimes, the gaps parents worry about today are actually helping create a healthier smile tomorrow.

05/25/2026

Happy Memorial Day!

05/25/2026

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A 25-year study of 6,000+ adults found that regular flossing was linked to a lower risk of ischemic stroke and atrial fibrillation (AFib).

Researchers believe inflammation from poor oral health may play an important role in the mouth–body connection.

Compared to non-flossers, regular flossers showed:
• 22% lower risk of ischemic stroke
• 44% lower risk of cardioembolic stroke
• 12% lower risk of AFib

Another reminder that oral health is deeply connected to systemic health.

Reference:
American Heart Association News, ISC 2025.

05/15/2026

Most parents think baby teeth “don’t matter” because they eventually fall out.
But dentists have known for years that severe decay in baby teeth can sometimes affect the permanent teeth developing underneath.

When cavities in primary teeth become deep or infected, the bacteria and inflammation may interfere with the enamel formation of the adult tooth below.

Research has linked severe decay in baby teeth with developmental enamel defects, discoloration, delayed eruption, and structural changes in some permanent teeth. Early loss of baby teeth can also contribute to crowding and alignment problems later in life.

Primary teeth help guide jaw growth, maintain space for incoming adult teeth, and support normal chewing and speech during childhood. Keeping them healthy is an important part of protecting long-term oral development.

📄 References:
1. Lo ECM et al. SAGE Journals — Does Caries in Primary Teeth Predict Enamel Defects in Permanent Successors?

2. Carvalho JC et al. NIH/PMC — Dental caries in deciduous teeth associated with delayed permanent tooth development