More happy patients at Gustafson & Morningstar Family Dentistry!

Gustafson & Morningstar Family Dentistry, serving Royal Oak and surrounding areas, has been receiving some great patient reviews lately! Check out what our current patients are saying about Dr. Gustafson, Dr. Morningstar and team!

"Outstanding performance to my hygienist. She did a wonderful job and made me feel very comfortable. I really enjoyed meeting her for the first time."

"Whatever my dental needs are/were, you have maintained my teeth in great shape; and if I needed you in an emergency for any problem with my teeth, you made time for me regardless of your schedule."

"I absolutely love your office. Everyone there is friendly, courteous and knowledgeable. Michelle even called me ahead of time when their appointments were running 20 minutes behind."

"ALL of the staff is exceptional"

"I absolutely love your office. Everyone there is friendly, courteous and knowledgeable."

"Keep doing what your doing, I am very satisfied."

Summer reading with Drs. Gustafson and Morningstar

With summer in full swing, some of us at Gustafson and Morningstar Dentistry wanted to remind all our patients about the importance of reading. Sure it’s easy to keep putting off reading this time of year, but reading during the summer is a vital step in brain development and warding off the dreaded “summer slide.” Plus, it's fun!

This summer, Dr. Steve is reading Mark Twain's autobiography. Dr. Shari is reading two different David Baldacci books, The Whole Truth and Divine Justice. Dr. Steve likes historical novels and Dr. Shari enjoys murder mysteries.

Today, we thought we’d ask: What's on YOUR summer reading list? What are some of your all-time favorites? Out of ideas for great summer reads? You may also ask our Royal Oak librarian for some ideas or check out these summer reading ideas that we came across today, courtesy of Barnes & Noble.

Happy reading! Be sure to share with us your summer picks or your all-time favorites on our Facebook page!

"Hey Dr. Gustafson and Dr. Morningstar! What's the Deal with Flossing?"

At Gustafson and Morningstar Dentistry, Dr. Gustafson and Dr. Morningstar will always tell you that proper flossing is the best way to clean the food and plaque that builds up between your teeth and below the gum line.

There are many different types and brands of flossers available. Choosing the one that works the best for you is a matter of personal preference. Easier and more effective than flossing with string, the Waterpik Classic Water Flosser WP-60 powers away plaque and debris between teeth and below the gumline. Six water pressure settings let you customize gentle-to-deep cleansing. Three unique tips clean in specialized ways, while a spacious reservoir reduces the need for refills.

While brushing does not replace flossing, Sonicare claims that the IntelliClean system is one step closer to flossing because the high speed motion of the toothbrush bristles actually dispense the toothpaste with fluoride deep between the teeth and below the gum line to enable cleaning those hard to reach places.

Please let Drs. Gustafson and Morningstar know if you have any questions about these products or your oral hygiene. It is always our goal to provide personalized dental care to help our patients develop good oral hygiene habits. After all, it only takes 3-to-5 minutes to floss!

Show off your pearly whites—June is National Smile Month!

According to the American Dental Association, a person's smile outranked eyes, hair and body as the most important physical feature, which is why it's important for our team at Gustafson and Morningstar Dentistry to support National Smile Month this June.

So that you may celebrate National Smile Month for many, many years to come, Drs. Gustafson and Morngingstar recommend that patients plan ahead to maintain their normal oral hygiene routines even while on-the-go. When traveling, people tend to not to pack their power toothbrushes, especially if they carry on their luggage. It is important for our patients to maintain optimum oral care even when they travel. We recommend that patients purchase a travel Spinbrush. These can easily fit in carry on luggage, and allow for you to continue good dental habits even when traveling.

Please let us know if you have any questions about your oral hygiene, or on-the-go dental care! You can always comment here on let us know by posting on our Facebook page.

Happy National Smile Month!

Gustafson and Morningstar Dentistry, easing your fears of the dentist

While we strive to offer the very best dental experience for all our patients, our office realizes that many people still suffer from dental phobia. Dr. Gustafson and Dr. Morningstar have the experience and expertise to treat patients from various dental backgrounds.

We recently had a patient refer his girlfriend to our practice. The referral came with a warning, "she does not like the dentist". Having heard that statement many times over the years, our team thought we knew what to expect. Of course—the moment that she entered the door—we made sure to welcome her to our practice. Being left alone with your thoughts can allow for you to conjure up all kinds of scary stuff, so it's important to maintain a constant conversation. When I took her back to the operatory, she started to cry. This was unexpected.

In this situation, the assistant and Dr. Gustafson sat down with the patient to explain that we would not leave her alone for a minute. We reassured her that we wanted this experience to be a good one and that whatever it took, we were "in" for the long haul. A few jokes later, her tears were gone and she was laughing with our team! When she left, she said her visit was not just a good experience, but a great one.

We have seen this patient for restorative work since then, and she now goes back to the room without a tear! She has thanked us over and over again for helping her overcome her fear of the dentist—and making her feel like she she is visiting friends.

Your summer smile questions, answered!

Summer is just around the corner, which for many people means vacations, baseball season, days spent at the beach, and fun in the sun. It’s important to take special precautions to prevent facial injuries and preserve your healthy smile for a lifetime. That’s why Dr. Gustafson and Dr. Morningstar wanted to answer a few of the common questions that we often receive from patients and their parents during the summer months.

How can I help prevent my teeth from becoming chipped or broken while I play sports this summer?

We recommend the use of mouth guards, even if you're just playing a pickup game in your own driveway or yard.

Are sports drinks bad for my teeth? What can I drink to stay hydrated and keep my teeth healthy?

We see many patients in their early 20's with cavities as a result of use of high sugar content "energy" drinks. Sugar can quickly turn to acid, which will eat away at your tooth's natural enamel and cause a cavity!

We recommend staying away from high sugar drinks and using water to stay hydrated while playing sports or exercising. If you do consume sugary beverages, please remember to drink with a straw and brush your teeth soon after to prevent cavities.

What on-the-go snacks are best for my teeth?

Eating dairy is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth. Cheddar, Swiss, Mozzarella, and Monterey Jack all stimulate the body's salivary glands to clear the mouth of debris and protect them from acids that weaken them, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. This means cheese disrupts the development of cavities, especially when eaten as a snack or at the end of a meal.

Drs. Gustafson and Morningstar featured in the Royal Oak Patch

At Gustafson and Morningstar Dentistry we make every effort to serve our patients and community. We enjoy giving back to Royal Oak, MI by participating in fundraisers, programs and events for the Boys & Girls Clubs of South Oakland County, such as our annual Smiles for Life teeth whitening program. We are proud to share that Dr. Gustafson recently received President Barack Obama's Lifetime Volunteer Service Award.

Be sure to check out Dr. Gustafson and Dr. Morningstar's recent feature in the Royal Oak Patch article and pay it forward!

What, exactly, are wisdom teeth?

Wisdom teeth are a type of molar that is found in the very back of your mouth and are the last molars to develop. There are four wisdom teeth: upper left, upper right, lower left, and lower right. These teeth usually appear in late teens or early twenties but may become impacted (fail to erupt) due to lack of room in the jaw or angle of entry. The removal of wisdom teeth has become so commonplace that it is almost a rite of passage for young adults.

Drs. Gustafson and Morningstar will tell you that when a tooth is impacted, it may need to be removed. If it is not removed, you may develop gum tenderness, swelling, or even severe pain. Impacted wisdom teeth that are partially or fully erupted tend to be quite difficult to clean and are susceptible to tooth decay, recurring infections, and yes, even gum disease.

In addition to visiting our website with any questions you may have about wisdom teeth, our friends at WebMD have developed a helpful explanation about wisdom teeth and how they impact your health. Also, feel free to give us a call with any questions you have or ask us on Facebook!

Teeth Whitening—Smile brighter and support the Boys and Girls Clubs!

Are you ready for a whiter, brighter smile? Now through the end of June, Drs. Gustafson and Morningstar are hosting our annual Smiles for Life teeth whitening program. At our office, you can whiten your teeth while raising money for the Boys and Girls Clubs of South Oakland County. Our doctors are donating 100% of their time for teeth whitening, while Discus donates 100% of the whitening supplies to support the Smiles for Life campaign.

You can also enter to win free professional teeth whitening through our special Facebook Causes promotion. Join our cause, invite friends, and donate to Smiles for Life for a chance to win FREE professional teeth whitening!

If you haven’t yet scheduled your spring teeth whitening appointment, please request your appointment today. Thank you for helping us make a difference!

Flossing with Drs. Gustafson and Morningstar

We hope you are not a part of the 51 percent of Americans who don’t floss every day. And we definitely hope you're not part of the 10 percent who never floss at all. Drs. Gustafson and Morningstar and our staff at Gustafson and Morningstar Dentistry will always tell you that proper flossing is just as important for your dental health as brushing regularly. Flossing, you see, cleans food and plaque that build up between teeth and below the gumline, key areas that brushing simply cannot reach.

Flossing 3-to-5 minutes each day is recommended, but even 60 seconds of flossing has a great benefit over not flossing at all. Also, make sure to always brush your teeth after you floss, and to rinse with water or mouthwash. When you begin flossing you may experience gum pain or bleeding, but with daily flossing and brushing this should stop within a week or so.

Lastly, has it been at least six months since your last checkup with Drs. Gustafson and Morningstar? If the answer is yes, we encourage you to schedule an appointment!

Gustafson and Morningstar Dentistry, taking steps to reduce our environmental impact

We are living in an age with a renewed commitment to conservation, and are frequently reminded to recycle, reduce and reuse. Earth Day is Friday, April 22nd, and we thought today would a great time to discuss the things that Gustafson and Morningstar Dentistry does to conserve our natural resources and the environment.

Our office uses the Dexis digital x-ray system, which allows for us to zero in on patient comfort, while mimimizing our environmental impact. Since x-rays can be submitted electronically, this system also reduces the waiting time for patients. We also participate in SOCRRA, a Royal Oak recycling program. We continue to make sure and recycle our paper, plastic, glass, and metal. Each week, Gustafson and Morningstar Dentistry places recycle items in two curbside bins.

Dr. Gustafson, Dr. Morningstar and our team would love to hear how you're reducing your ecological footprint. Leave us a comment below or you can also visit our Facebook page and post something on our wall.

Happy Earth Day!

$1.50 for a Cavity

Vending machines are a quick way to satisfy hunger. You put in $1.50 and you get back a candy bar, bag of chips or even a soda…but that’s not all! Drs. Gustafson and Morningstar want to remind you that vending machines not only dispense sweet treats and caffeine bursts, but they also dispense cavities!

Every time you chow down on that chocolate bar the bacteria in your mouth have a party feasting on the sugar. The sugar quickly turns into acid; that’s right, ACID! The acid sits on your teeth and eats away at the tooth’s natural enamel (the stuff that protects your tooth from decay). When this enamel is eaten away by the acid on your tooth, you get a cavity! Brushing your teeth after eating a sugary treat can help prevent cavities; but before you indulge, remind yourself: “can’t brush? Hold the sugar!”

When choosing a snack, consider these nutritional options that will not only satisfy your hunger and that “sweet tooth,” but won’t cause acid build up resulting in cavities:

• Fresh Fruits (berries, oranges, melon, pears, etc)
• Raw Vegetables (broccoli, celery, carrots, etc)
• Bread
• Pretzels (low salt)
• Milk (low or non-fat)
• Cheese (low or non-fat)
• Nuts and seeds (pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, etc)
• Sliced meat

If you would like more advice about how you can prevent cavities, give Gustafson and Morningstar Dentistry a call or ask during your next appointment.

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month

Visiting Gustafson and Morningstar Dentistry regularly will not only help keep your teeth and mouth healthy, but will also help keep the rest of your body healthy. Our office uses the ViziLite® oral cancer screening system, which utilizes the latest technology in the detection of oral cancer. An oral cancer exam using this technology enables the dentist to immediately see if there are any abnormal tissue cells in the mouth.

The fact is, every hour of every day in the U.S., someone dies of oral cancer, which is the sixth-most common diagnosed form of the disease. The five-year survival rate is only 50 percent, and oral cancer is one of the few cancers whose survival rate has not improved because it is often detected so late. Since April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, Drs. Gustafson and Morningstar would like to take this opportunity to remind all of our patients that oral cancer exams should be done at least annually.

Drs. Gustafson and Morningstar are specifically trained to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral health problems. Please let us now if you have any questions about your oral health during your next appointment.

How important is your smile?

Unlike other dental offices, the husband-and-wife team of Drs. Shari Gustafson and Shari Morningstar give their patients something extra to smile about. They make patient comfort more than a facet of their job; they make it a priority.

And speaking of smiling, in a new poll conducted by Glamour Magazine, people were asked, “If you had to pick between having perfect teeth, eyesight or hair, which would you choose?

Well, 44 percent of folks out there are choosing teeth! In addition, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, or AACD, conducted a study and found that 99.7 percent of those polled believed a smile is an important social asset. Respondents said straightness, whiteness, cleanliness, as well as the sincerity and sparkle of a person’s smile were all important factors not only socially, but career-wise as well.

Drs. Gustafson and Morningstar are now accepting new patients! When you're ready to begin perfecting your smile, please schedule an appointment at our conveniently located Royal Oak, MI office. We look forward to seeing you!

Gum Disease Can Sneak Up on You

At Gustafson and Morningstar Dentistry, we'll tell you it's easy to tell when you have a cavity; but unfortunately, gum disease can exist in your mouth without you even knowing. In fact, you can have the beginning stages of gum disease without noticing any pain or discomfort. Since gum disease can be undetectable, it’s important to watch for warning signs in order to prevent the disease from worsening!

Signs to watch for:

• Gums that appear red or swollen
• Gums that feel tender
• Gums that bleed easily (during brushing or flossing)
• Gums that recede or pull away from the teeth
• Persistent halitosis, or bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Any change in the way teeth come together in the biting position

If you or your child is having these symptoms, schedule an appointment right away by calling Drs. Gustafson and Morningstar, serving Royal Oak, MI. We can diagnose the problem and begin treatment to save your teeth and give you back a healthy mouth!

We look forward to seeing you!

Whiten Your Smile and Help a Child at Gustafson and Morningstar Dentistry

Dr. Gustafson and Dr. Morningstar are excited to announce that we're beginning our annual teeth whitening promotion. Whiten Your Smile and Help a Child helps patients make a difference in our Royal Oak community, while whitening their smile. During this promotion, your smile is whitened at a deeply discounted fee, and children get 100% of the money. Be sure to ask Gustafson and Morningstar Dentistry for more information about our teeth whitening promotion at your next appointment!

Getting Married? Smile Bright!

It’s winter, and it’s cold. But, believe it or not, there is a growing trend of brides choosing to tie the knot in the winter wonderland. If you are gearing up for a wedding this winter, consider matching that white dress to a perfectly white smile!

At Gustafson and Morningstar Dentistry we offer in-office tooth whitening for the bride, the groom, or the entire wedding party! You get the girls together to get their nails done, and now you can get them together to get their teeth done!

In-office whitening is the quickest, most effective way to achieve whiter teeth. Because we are dental professionals, we have the expertise to use higher percentages of whitening agents than the at-home systems allow. So you can get a brighter white, usually in just one visit!

Give us a ring and let us add some extra sparkle to your “I do”!

How to freshen bad breath, from Drs. Gustafson and Morningstar

Drs. Gustafson and Morningstar, your Royal Oak, MI dentists, recognize that many of our patients are concerned about bad breath, or halitosis. While some cases of bad breath are persistent (chronic bad breath), generally bad breath is transient, and can be prevented.

We recently came across this helpful video about bad breath and thought it was worth sharing with our patients. The video explains what might cause bad breath and some ways that it can be avoided. In most instances, bad breath can be prevented by practicing common oral hygiene techniques that you have probably heard us emphasize during a visit to Gustafson and Morningstar Dentistry, such as brushing and flossing daily.

Our office also carries the BreathRx line for those patients who are especially concerned about bad breath. Be sure to ask Drs. Gustafson and Morningstar for more information about BreathRx at your next appointment!

Meet Susan, Our Staff Member of the Week

Have you had a chance to meet Susan at Gustafson and Morningstar Dentistry? She has joined Dr. Gustafson, Dr. Morningstar and our team as a Dental Hygienist, also scheduling and helping manage patient communications. You may have heard Susan's friendly voice when calling to schedule an appointment, or if you've received an appointment reminder.

A Ferris State University alumna, Susan joins our office with an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Dental Hygiene and over 30 years experience in the dental field.

Susan said that our community involvement, commitment to continuing education, patients and staff members most attracted her to Gustafson and Morningstar Dentistry. She really enjoys how our office continues to learn, and encourages all staff members to participate in trainings and community programs. "The trainings have really spiced up my career," said Susan when asked about her experiences with continuing education. Cleanliness, practice guidelines, and top notch sterilization procedures were also mentioned as distinguishing characteristics of Gustafson and Morningstar Dentistry.

In her free time, Susan enjoys reading, floral design, and all types of art. She recently attended the Thursday evening Downtown Royal Oak photography exhibition.

A Fun Fact: Susan has a Camaro, and she likes sports cars!

Dr. Gustafson and Dr. Morningstar support National Children’s Dental Health Month!

For the past 61 Februaries, the American Dental Association, or ADA, has sponsored National Children's Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. Each year, over 35,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with oral cancer. With early detection, oral cancer has a survival rate of 80-90%, which is why it is so important the patients visit Dr. Gustafson and Dr. Morningstar for regular checkups.

It is also important to visit our office if you experience:
• A sore inside your mouth that doesn’t heal for two weeks
• A lump or thickening of your cheek
• A white or red patch on any part of your inner mouth or throat
• Chronic difficulty swallowing or chewing
• Difficulty moving your tongue or jaw
• Numbness inside your mouth
• Jaw swelling

Please schedule an appointment with Dr. Gustafson and Dr. Morningstar if you experience any of the above symptoms, or if it has been six months since your last checkup. As always, don't hesitate to give us a call if you have any questions!

Prioritize your oral health with regular checkups!

As the U.S. economy has been slow to recover, Dr. Gustafson, Dr. Morningstar and our team have noticed many patients are conserving money while often neglecting their oral health. Families are being mindful of every dollar.

Drs. Gustafson and Morningstar encourage patients to consider the “cost of neglect” compared to the “cost of maintenance." Every time you have the oil changed in your vehicle you demonstrate prudence, knowing that a few dollars regularly spent on maintenance will prevent huge expenses down the road. The same principle applies to dentistry. While a routine exam, cleaning, and tiny white filling may pinch your budget a little bit this month, it will save hundreds or even thousands fixing major problems later, such as root canals, gum disease or lost teeth. At your regular maintenance appointment we can catch problems while they're small, easy to fix, and less expensive. An ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure.

Is it time for your checkup with Drs. Gustafson and Morningstar? If you have not been to our office in the last six months (or as recommended), call us to schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you!

February is American Heart Month

Did you know February is American Heart Month? It’s a great time to take notice of the health of your heart, says Drs. Gustafson and Morningstar. Cardiovascular disease remains American's number one killer, according to the American Heart Association. Studies have shown a correlation between gum disease and heart disease, underscoring the importance of good oral health care.

Visiting our office on a regular basis can help prevent gum disease or at least catch it in its early stages. And because people with dental insurance are more likely to visit their dentist when they should, a healthy mouth begins with a visit to Gustafson and Morningstar Dentistry. In observance of Heart Month, it’s also important to know your numbers: blood pressure (less than 120/80), cholesterol (less than 200) and BMI (less than 25). If you have any questions about heart health, or about your treatment at Gustafson and Morningstar Dentistry, please give us a call today.

Dr. Gustafson and Dr. Morningstar debunk the rumors about swallowed gum

At Gustafson and Morningstar Dentistry we know the rumors going around—mostly among young people—that once you swallow a piece of chewing gum it will stake a claim and take up residency in your stomach for at least seven years! We really hate to take all the fun out of the mystery, but the truth is that chewing gum, when swallowed, will enter the stomach and move through the digestive system just like any other piece of food and leave the body long before seven years! So, if you ever have accidentally swallowed a piece of gum, there is no need to worry!

This being said, gum does not have any dietary benefits, so while it’s not harmful to swallow, you still want to avoid swallowing it. If you are a gum-chewer, make sure you chew sugarless gum, because gum with sugar can lead to cavities. Sugarless gum still has the same amount of flavor, but with less cavity causing ingredients. You see, when the bacterium in your mouth breaks down sugar, what’s left behind is acid. This acid eats away at the enamel coating of your teeth, causing holes that we call cavities. Cavities can lead to other long term mouth problems if they are not treated in time, so it is best to try and avoid overexposing your teeth to too many harmful substances!

Happy (sugar-free) gum chewing!

Drs. Gustafson and Morningstar introduce our Dexis Digital X-Ray System

Dr. Gustafson and Dr. Morningstar are committed to providing outstanding, long term dental care using the most advanced technology available. Modern x-rays have very low amounts of radiation and even less when you use digital x-rays. Our office recently began using the Dexis digital x-ray system. This new technology allows us to zero in on patient care and comfort, while reducing our environmental impact.

For example, this digital x-ray system not only limits radiation, but it also shortens your appointments and reduces waiting time. In addition, these advances in the dental field improve communications and will offer patients a better understanding of treatment.

If you have any questions about how Drs. Gustafson and Morningstar use state-of-the-art technology, give us a call and ask!

American Dental Association supports water fluoridation

Fluoride provides many oral health benefits, such as helping prevent cavities and tooth decay. Drs. Gustafson and Morningstar recently came across a great fluoridation article from the Michigan Dental Association that discusses a few of the ways fluoride prevents disease and lowers health risks. The American Dental Association applauds the Department of Health and Human Services’ recommendation to set optimum fluoride levels in drinking water.

For more information on fluoridation, be sure to visit our "Your friend, fluoride!" blog entry, or give us a call.

Reflecting on 2010, from Dr. Shari and Dr. Steve

Dr. Steve and Dr. Shari attended many continuing education courses in 2010. Some of the year's highlights were the courses on new techniques in tooth colored fillings. These techniques included new stronger materials and tooth restorations that preserve more tooth structure.

With oral cancer making headlines in 2010, Dr. Steve and Dr. Shari have increased their knowledge of the subject, and continue to offer advanced oral cancer screenings. Dr. Shari was trained in new Invisalign techniques. One exciting breakthrough in the dental industry are products that re-mineralize the enamel structure in your teeth, also making them stronger. Gustafson and Morningstar Dentistry continues to make these products available for our patients. Dr. Steve and Dr. Shari had another successful Smiles for Life campaign, raising money by donating the proceeds of their whitening services to the Boys & Girls Club of South Oakland County.

Looking forward to 2011, Gustafson & Morningstar Dentistry will be unveiling several new and exciting changes. Our office will be moving towards a digital x-ray system that limits radiation and eliminates the use of x-ray developing chemicals, thus making our office greener. We will also be introducing new branding and an updated website. We will keep all of our patients updated about these exciting changes, as they are introduced.

Best wishes for a happy, prosperous and healthy new year!

-Your friends at Gustafson and Morningstar Dentistry