Fluoride is a naturally occurring chemical that has been added to public water supplies for nearly a century. In 1944, Michigan's own Grand Rapids was the first city in the world to take this step. Today, 70% of the world's population living in more than 133 countries benefit from the practice of adding low-levels of fluoride to the water their residents drink. Decades of research has shown that fluoride reduces cavities, increases oral health and has no realistic downsides. In fact, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control put the addition of fluoride to water systems — along with vaccines, recognition of smoking's health hazards, motor vehicle and workplace safety regulations — in the top 10 greatest public health achievements of the 20th Century. It's safe, inexpensive, and effective in preventing tooth decay no matter what the economic status or access to care. And yet, remarkably, probably part of the trend of distrust in public institutions that has roiled the United States for many years, removing fluoride from the water is on the table. Here's what you need to know. In the early 1900s, oral cavities were commonplace among the population. Yet dentists noticed that there were some areas of the country where they were not. Researchers looked into the issue and found that, in some parts of the country, fluoride was naturally present in the water supply. They also noticed that many people who lived in those areas had discolored teeth. It turned out fluoride — more accurately really high levels of fluoride — were responsible for that too. After much study, scientists and doctors determined that a very low level of fluoride in water would prevent cavities and all the issues that come with them. In the United States, the recommended ratio is 0.7 milligrams fluoride per liter. Individual states can set their own levels, up to the maximum level of 4.0 milligrams per liter. Some people have suggested there are side effects from hip fractures to bone cancer to delays in brain development in fetuses and young children. All studies have proven there is no relationship to these concerns and fluoride at low levels. In some countries where fluoride naturally occurs at very high levels people can develop a condition whereby their bones become very brittle. There are no areas in the United States where that is a concern, according to Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. While it may be good to question some institutions and long-held beliefs, questioning the efficacy of fluoride in public water supplies should not be one of them. It would be irresponsible to remove it.

Cavities: Chances are everyone you know has one — probably even more than one. But for something that is so widespread, people don't know a lot about them. Here are five interesting things (really!) about cavities and two tips for keeping them at bay. 1: A cavity, which dentists call "dental caries," is decay in a tooth. They are caused when bacteria in your mouth produce acids that breaks down tooth enamel. Though often painless, they can cause sensitivity, pain and, if left untreated, visible holes in the tooth. 2: People have known about cavities, and the treatment of them, for a long time. Fillings — what dentists put in the cavity to stop it from getting worse — have been found in cadavers that date back 10,000 years. Those fillings have ranged from beeswax to gold to silver and tin. Today's cavities are mostly filled with a resin that can be matched to the color of your teeth. No more unsightly metal! 3: It isn't the sugar causing the cavities, it's the acid your mouth produced by bacteria that has to break down the sugars. It's best to limit sugar intake and acidic foods and drinks like pop. And don't think you're OK switching to diet pop — the acid in those drinks contributes to cavities. 4: Because saliva plays an important part in preventing cavities, dry mouth puts you at risk for cavity growth. That's another reason to stay hydrated — but drink water, not pop. And let the hygienist or dentist if you are taking any medications or have any conditions that make your mouth dry. 5: Leaving cavities untreated can lead to other health problems. Early detection is key — that's why dentists take x-rays of your mouth — to catch and treat a cavity before it becomes a more painful issue, like an abscess, a broader infection or even tooth loss. Bad oral hygiene has also been linked to heart disease, so visit Huszti Dental Care twice a year. And now the two tips on how to prevent cavities. You know what they are: 1: Brush well. 2: Floss regularly. It's that simple to keep cavities away, so do the smart thing. Your mouth and your whole body will thank you.

Healthcare workers are united in one cause: Keeping you healthy. Whether they are general practitioners, specialists, nurses or dentists, they all work together to ensure their patients are healthy and will remain that way. Huszti Dental Care's staff celebrated Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October by donning bright pink scrubs. They reminded female patients to get mammograms and urged male patients to nudge their wives and significant others to do the same. Students at University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry — where the Drs. Huszti's daughters are working to follow in their parents' footsteps — also brought attention to the cause with their own pink scrubs. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting women worldwide and awareness is crucial for early detection, prevention and treatment. It is estimated that 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, highlighting the importance of education and outreach efforts. Breast cancer awareness campaigns, such as those held every October during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, play a vital role in informing the public about the disease, its risk factors, and ways to detect it early. It's that early detection that is the key to improving survival rates, as treatments for breast cancer have a higher chance of working when started in its earliest stages. Regular screenings, such as mammograms, are vital for women, especially those over 40, as they can identify cancer before symptoms develop. Self-exams can also help women understand the normal look and feel of their breasts, making it easier to spot changes, but they should not be considered a substitute for professional screenings, Awareness campaigns also focus on promoting healthy lifestyles and understanding risk factors, such as family history, genetic mutations and lifestyle choices like diet and exercise. Research into breast cancer is ongoing, with new treatments, therapies and ways to minimize recurrence constantly being developed. Support for breast cancer patients and their families is another key aspect of awareness. Many organizations provide resources, counseling and financial assistance to help those affected by the disease navigate the emotional and financial challenges it can bring. Overall, breast cancer awareness saves lives, and that's why our office participates in this important effort every year. By educating people, encouraging early screenings and demonstrating support, we hope we are able to reduce the impact of breast cancer and continue to make strides toward a cure.

Who says dental school is all hard work? Not Olivia and Sophia Huszti, who are working their way through University of Detroit Mercy’s School of Dentistry. (The same place their parents met many years ago.) While dental school is truly a great deal of work in the classroom, there is also a lot of work outside the classroom. Upperclassmen take it upon themselves to meet members of the first-year class to offer friendship, support and some tips for handling the studying and the stress of dental school. In addition, many students participate in local chapters of national organized dental associations. Still, the sisters know there has to be a little time for fun. The photographs here are from a recent event the sisters threw to meet the new students and blow off a little steam watching the Detroit Lions. The event was a membership meeting of the Detroit Mercy chapter of the American Student Dental Association, “a national, student-run organization that protects and advances the rights, interests and welfare of dental students.” That’s according to the webpage on Detroit Mercy Dental’s website. The ASDA’s goal is to introduce students to organized dentistry in the hopes that they will be involved during their career. It provides services, information, education, representation and advocacy. The chapter has monthly meetings where members learn about issues that affect dentistry and organizes workers to staff the free dental clinic they partner on with St. Vincent de Paul as well as other events that serve the community and allow the students to hone their skills with patients.

Aside from twice-yearly checkups, the most common reason people make appointments with Huszti Dental Care is to address issues that make them uncomfortable with their smile. It could be uneven teeth, maybe discoloration or maybe you chipped a tooth and don’t like the way it looks. It's called cosmetic dentistry and our patients are surprised at the number of options they have to bring their smile to its fullest. And they are even more surprised at the low costs of many of them. And we should say they are relieved to learn nearly everything can be done in our Milford Road office. Take tooth contouring for instance. This is a procedure where a dentist takes a special tool and reshapes the tooth by removing some of the enamel. Why do this? Well maybe one of your teeth is larger, making for a non-symmetrical smile. Or maybe you have chipped a tooth and you would like to fix that. Some people have teeth that overlap near the bottom and that, too can be addressed through tooth contouring. It’s simple, painless and can be done in one appointment without any follow-up. Gum contouring is a similar procedure except that the dentist removes gum instead of enamel. This addresses what some people call a “gummy smile” and can fix an uneven gum line or an overgrowth of gums. This procedure is done by a periodontist — we have one right in our office — and will require local anesthesia to numb the area, and you may experience mild soreness, but it’s temporary and quickly goes away. One of our most popular cosmetic dentistry services is teeth whitening. Many patients come to us after an over-the-counter product to bleach their teeth yields an uneven or disappointing result. (Spoiler alert: They usually do!) Our products are better, quicker and last longer — provided you take care of your teeth. We also offer clear braces that realign your teeth quicker than traditional braces. Our patients say none of their friends and family notices their aligners, but they all notice the results! Lastly, porcelain veneers can cover broken, undersized or permanently discolored teeth to make them symmetrical and bright. So if something is bothering you about your smile, let us know next time you are in. Chances are we have a solution that will give you a more confident smile and leave you wondering why you didn’t take care of it before!

Missing teeth can impact your life in many ways, but the longest lasting might be the hit your self esteem takes. Implants are a common way of addressing tooth loss, but for many patients they were out of reach. A new procedure that is growing in popularity — and available at Huszti Dental Care — may work for patients who had been denied the benefits of an implant in the past. Zygomatic dental implants have been around for a few years, but they are becoming more widespread in the field. These implants are a revolutionary option that can give you back your beautiful smile, especially if you’ve had issues with traditional implants due to bone loss or other challenges. So, what exactly are zygomatic dental implants? Think of them as a special type of implant designed to anchor to the cheekbone — or zygoma — rather than the jawbone. This unique approach is useful for people who might not have enough healthy jawbone left to support standard implants. By anchoring into the cheekbone, which is often more solid in some patients than jawbone, zygomatic implants offer a stable foundation for replacement teeth. It's important to note that this type of implant is only for upper teeth. The process is not as frightening as it may sound. It starts with a detailed consultation where experts at Huszti Dental Care will assess your needs and determine if a zygomatic implant is right for you. If they are, the implants are placed into the cheekbone. After some healing time, patients return to have the new teeth fitted. This is a much quicker and less invasive procedure than the bone grafting that often is needed with traditional implants. Huszti Dental Care patients love these implants. They look, feel and work like real teeth and will have you smiling in a shorter period of time. If you think you might be a candidate for this treatment, give us a call. Patients who have had significant bone loss and were told they were not candidates for implants in the past have had success with the procedure. You'll be glad you called.

Huszti Dental Care founders Bill Huszti and Anna Chong-Huszti celebrated along with their daughters as their oldest, Olivia, second from left, participated in the White Coat Ceremony at Detroit Mercy Dental. A landmark event in many healthcare education programs, the White Coat Ceremony, for Olivia, means her journey through dental school is halfway over! The ceremony is meant to remind the students about the importance of their chosen field and calls on them to uphold the high ethics and standards of care required by the field. Together, the students recited an oath that binds them to the highest degree of patient care. Students will now be able to work with patients at the Detroit Mercy Dental Center, which provides patient-centered care and comprehensive dental services in a state-of-the-art facility. Most patients at the center are part of the student clinical program where student doctors provide treatment under the supervision of licensed faculty dentists. Services are provided at a reduced rate, making costs more affordable for the patient. "Today was a big milestone for me as I received my white coat from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry," Olivia said. "I couldn't be more excited to take another step toward joining my parents at Huszti Dental Care and fulfilling my dreams of walking in their footsteps." Olivia is a strong student who also gives back to the school, volunteering her time at many events, attending conferences and was class president her first year. Even though Olivia's parents also graduated from University of Detroit Mercy, this was their first White Coat Ceremony. That's because the school did not begin the tradition until after they graduated. It won't be their last, though: Their second daughter, Sophia, is right behind Olivia at the same school. Her White Coat Ceremony will come next year around this time. Congratulations to Olivia and the whole Huszti family!

Many people may think they have a healthy mouth. They brush, they floss, they whiten, they use fluoride rinses to keep their teeth strong. But many people forget something else that takes up a lot of space in their mouth: The tongue! Ensuring you have a clean tongue should be an important part of any oral healthcare regime. An appointment at Huszti Dental Care often includes a discussion about your tongue, because that is often where early signs of health problem. The tongue is made of eight muscles and is usually about four-inches long. It can have up to 10,000 tastebuds that help you enjoy what you eat and drink. A healthy tongue is bumpy and pink. If your tongue is white, you might have thrush, a fungal infection of the mouth. It happens mostly to young children and is often the result of certain medications. It's nothing to worry about, but should be addressed. A tongue can look yellow, purple or even black and when this happens, it is best to have a trained medical expert like those at Huszti Dental Care look at it. Usually a discolored tongue is easily remedied by paying special attention to cleaning it, but it could also indicate a vitamin deficiency or an underlying condition or a bad habit like smoking. Cleaning your tongue reduces the bacteria in your mouth that can lead to bad breath and plaque buildup, but simply using mouthwash won't do the trick. The easiest way to keep your tongue clean is to brush it along with your teeth. Brush both ways and remember to get it underneath. Tongue scrapers are another step you can take. They are readily available in pharmacies.  So next time you're brushing your teeth, take a moment to give your tongue some love. A happy tongue means a happy mouth.

The most important tool in your oral hygiene is a good toothbrush. How you take care of that brush is important to your overall health, so we here at Huszti Dental Care think it's worth a refresher. One important consideration is how you store a toothbrush. It's important that a toothbrush dry out between uses in order to inhibit bacterial growth. So don't store it flat on the counter where it will likely sit in a puddle of water and don't put it in a drawer where there is no airflow. The best way to store a toothbrush is bristles up in a holder made to store toothbrushes. If not, a cup will work, but try not to have the whole family's brushes stored in one cup, as it can pass on germs. The next thing to think of is where that cup is stored. Most people keep them on the counter, but you should know that's not the best idea. When you use a sink to wash your hands or face, you usually splash water, which contains soap and even bacteria onto the toothbrush. Don't store it near the toilet, either, because — disgusting as this sounds — flushing a toilet can spray germs around the room. Don't keep your brushes in the line of fire. Wall-mounted holders are a good option, as long as they are positioned away from splashing water, which helps them dry out. You should also clean your holder regularly with sanitizing wipes to keep it free of germs and dust. And while you're at it, remember to clean the toothbrush -- rinse it well, don't let dried toothpaste collect on it. Remember, this is something you put in your mouth, keep it clean! Lastly, remember that the American Dental Association recommends replacing toothbrushes every three or four months. Let the bristles tell you when it's time — worn down bristles make a toothbrush less effective. So treat your toothbrush well and it will treat you well.