It can be a vicious cycle. Avoiding regular dental care often leads to oral problems that result in pain. These problems, for people who are already fearful of seeing a dentist, can lead to more complex and involved treatment that, unfortunately, adds to their association of “pain” in relationship to… Read More…

The human body is a miraculous structure. Throughout it, the skeletal system makes up about 12 – 15% of its body weight. Through adolescence, a cycle of bone renewal and growth occurs. By our 20s, the cycle of bone growth peaks and renewal begins to slowly decline. In mid-life, a… Read More…

For 22 years, Shelby Township dentist Ban R. Barbat, DDS has awarded an annual Ban R. Barbat, DDS-PC Scholarship to aid high school graduates in their pursuit of health-related careers. The 2024 recipient is… ALEXANDRA KORTE, an Eisenhower High School graduate, excels both academically and athletically. A knee injury led… Read More…

It seems more and more people are going right to a digital source to not only find something they want or need – including medical and dental services – they do price comparisons and look for special offers and “deals.” While we all want to get the most of our… Read More…

Obesity is having a BMI over 30% of the body’s weight – nearly one-third of the body’s weight as fat. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), Michigan has an “obesity prevalence” of 34.5%. While some states are higher and some lower, that’s not good. Weight is… Read More…

There are certain things that make people stand-offish. For example, there may be worries about deodorant wearing off and concerns of body odor. Or, a cat owner may sniff the air frequently inside their home to detect signs of a litter box. Scents are amazing things. Science has found that… Read More…

As a dentist in Macomb County with over 25 years of experience, I’ve helped hundreds of adults achieve excellent dental wellness as well as beautiful smiles. Dental wellness is the most important aspect of a smile, but I understand that its appearance is an important factor for many individuals as… Read More…

Throughout one’s lifetime, it is not unusual to lose one or several teeth. This can occur due to accidents, a tooth fracture that extends below the gum line, or a tooth that is so beyond repair that a crown can no longer protect the remaining structure. Since every tooth plays… Read More…

Several weeks ago, I watched a news clip on the severe over-treatment of TMJ disorders. It included interviews of several female patients who had endured horrific surgeries that were ineffective, and even disfiguring. As a neuromuscular dentist, this was frightening to watch for me, and sad. While over the years,… Read More…

How your smile looks in the mirror is one thing. Is how your smile “feels” just as important? An August 2023 article published by Colgate shared some insightful findings about a smile’s positive effect of smiling. For example, your smile can affect your self-confidence. Smiling causes the brain to release… Read More…