Come see the new look of Gustafson and Morningstar Dentistry!

Gustafson and Morningstar Dentistry, serving Royal Oak, MI and surrounding areas has a brand new look! Our team sends out a big thank you to Daren Bossenberger, John Moses and the team at Ideation Signs for the great new signage! We couldn't have done it without your help and expertise.

Want to see for yourself? Take a drive down 11 mile at night and check out the cool lighting they provided to illuminate the sign. What a perfect addition to our office!

Have a great weekend,

-Gustafson and Morningstar Dentistry

Getting Married This Summer? Stop By Gustafson and Morningstar Dentistry!

It’s summer here in Royal Oak, MI. The weather is finally warm and our city's many parks are finally getting some use. What a great time for a wedding! If you are gearing up for a wedding this summer, consider matching that white dress to a perfectly white smile!

At Gustafson and Morningstar Dentistry we offer in-office tooth whitening, which can be reserved 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. In Dr. Gustafson’s experience, clearly noticeable results happen very rapidly with bleaching. “We’re talking 10-14 days to a bright smile with the preparations we use,” he says. 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”!

Dr. Gustafson and Dr. Morningstar want to know: are there teeth grinders in your house?

Grind, grind, grind. Our team at Gustafson and Morningstar Dentistry know that you may be familiar with this unpleasant sound if you live with a teeth grinder, especially recently. A recent study published in the Head & Face Medicine journal suggests that people—adults and kids—faced with stress tend to cope by grinding their teeth. In addition, the Chicago Dental Society suggests that since the recession began in 2007, teeth grinding (technically known as bruxism), has been on the rise.

The Chicago Dental Society surveyed more than 250 members about the connection between stress and oral health. Nearly 75 percent of dentists said their patients reported increased stress over the past year, largely due to the economic recession. During stressful times, teeth grinding can be a nuisance that causes headaches and sleep problems, but it also can cause lasting problems for your teeth and gums, including chipped teeth, worn enamel, chronic pain, or even TMJ, a painful jaw disorder.

The first step of recovering from teeth grinding is noticing the problem. Symptoms of teeth grinding include:

• Sensitivity in the teeth
• Tightness or pain in the jaw
• Dull headaches, earaches, or facial pain
• Chipped, worn down, or loose teeth

An important thing to remember is that people frequently grind their teeth in response to stress. Hence, taking measures to reduce or eliminate stress can help solve the problem. If the teeth-grinder in your house can’t stop, schedule an appointment to see us by giving us a call. Dr. Gustafson and Dr. Morningstar may be able help determine the cause of the problem.

Your friend, fluoride!

At Gustafson and Morningstar Dentistry, we know that you want to protect your pearly whites from stains and discoloring. Brushing teeth twice a day, flossing regularly, and protecting your mouth and appliances from damage are all ways of taking care of your mouth. Did you know that there is another, often forgotten, way to keep your teeth clean and healthy during treatment? Fluoride – a mineral that helps prevent cavities and tooth decay – can help keep your teeth strong! Fluoride comes in two varieties: topical and systemic. Topical fluoride is applied directly to the tooth. Topical fluoride includes toothpastes and mouth rinses. Systemic fluorides are swallowed in the form of a dietary supplement.

Fluoride used in the dentist/orthodontists’ office is often times a stronger concentration than in toothpaste or mouthwash, but is available at some drug stores or a pharmacy (ask your doctor how to purchase professional strength fluoride). A fluoride treatment typically takes just a few minutes. After the treatment patients may be asked not to rinse, eat or drink for at least 30 minutes in order to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride. Depending on your oral health or doctor’s recommendation, you may be required to have a fluoride treatment every three, six or 12 months. Your doctor may also prescribe a fluoride product such as mouthwashes, gels or antibacterial rinses for at-home treatment.

When choosing your own fluoride product, be sure to check for the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of acceptance. Products marked with the ADA seal of approval have been carefully examined and have met the criteria of the ADA for safety and effectiveness. Take care of your teeth, and smile bright!

Dental implants for patients with diabetes

Here at Gustafson and Morningstar Dentistry in Royal Oak, Michigan, we understand that dry mouth, gum disease, delayed healing and other health issues are all special concerns for our patients with diabetes. But what are your options when infection has weakened teeth beyond repair? In many cases, our team at Gustafson and Morningstar Dentistry recommends dental implants as permanent replacements for damaged teeth.

Recent studies of dental implants with diabetic patients show success rates of higher than 90 percent. In the rare case that the implant does not blend properly to the bone, Drs. Gustafson and Morningstar will remove and the procedure at Gustafson and Morningstar Dentistry can be repeated. While the process of implantation takes longer than conventional treatments like bridges, the strength and durability of implants make them an excellent long-term solution for your tooth replacement. If you have diabetes and have lost one or more teeth (and your diabetes is under control), you may consider implants. However, if your blood sugar is not controlled, Drs. Gustafson and Morningstar recommend putting off any non-emergency dental care, including implants, bridgework and dentures – until you’ve worked with your primary care physician to control it.

Otherwise, feel free to give us a call and our staff will try to answer any diabetes-related questions we can.

Access your account—any day, any time!

Did you know that patients at Gustafson and Morningstar Dentistry have access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our helpful website? You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

You may sign up for this convenient service on our website by clicking on the "Patient Login" button on the left side of our homepage. Please give us a call at 248.541.8770 if you have any questions about getting started!

Have a GREAT rest of the week!

Drs. Gustafson and Morningstar, helping you prevent bad breath!

At Gustafson and Morningstar Dentistry, we know bad breath can be a real downer. We want you to know, however, that bad breath can be easily prevented.

Bad breath, or as Drs. Gustafson and Morningstar call it “halitosis,” is caused by odor-producing bacteria that grow in your mouth. This bacteria gathers on bits of food in your mouth and between your teeth and release sulfur compounds making your breath smell.

Until recently, your only choice was to cover up the odor coming from your mouth. Now you can get rid of it with a professional product available through us. You'll find it costs marginally more than a mouthwash, but that's OK - it actually works, and it's more economical ounce for ounce because you don't need to use as much of it when compared to a mouthwash.

It's called BreathRx. We carry the anti-bacterial mouth rinse, which is scientifically designed to kill malodor and odor-causing bacteria. You'll note the label says it lasts all day, and it really does. It's also alcohol-free, so your children can enjoy it, too.

The BreathRx line features everything from a pocket spray to sugar free gums and mints, and even an anti-bacterial tongue gel and spray. We have free samples you can try - ask for one at your next visit or give us a call. It will change your mind about breath care.