Oral Health For The Aging Baby Boomers

As you age, it becomes increasingly important to maintain good oral hygiene habits. Over time, the nerves in your teeth will become smaller, which means that your teeth become less sensitive to oral issues such as cavities. Other problems that may arise include gum disease, tissue inflammation due to dentures, and root decay. Regular visits to your pediatric dentist Chicago will help to prevent these problems.

The aging process can really take a toll on your teeth. Sugary and starchy foods can cause bacteria in your mouth to produce acid. The best way to prevent this is to avoid these sugary foods and beverages. Your orthodontist Chicago will remove plaque buildup from this, but daily oral hygiene is a great way to supplement these visits. 

Along with preventative visits to your pediatric dentist Chicago  older adults should continue to brush twice a day using tooth brush with soft bristles. You should also clean your dentures daily if you wear them. Because tap water contains fluoride, it can help to prevent tooth decay if you drink it regularly. 

Additionally, as you age, you become increasingly prone to developing chronic diseases such as diabetes or heart disease. Some symptoms of these diseases actually manifest in your mouth, allowing your orthodontist Chicago to be one of the first people to notice anything suspicious. Visits to your pediatric dentist Chicago can be instrumental in prevention of more serious diseases, allowing you to continue to lead a healthy life into old age.


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Dental X-Rays Won't Kill You!

I’ve often seen patients who are concerned with the amount of radiation they receive when having their dental x-rays taken. I’d like to take a moment to put things in perspective for you and discuss the benefits and risks of receiving x-rays while visiting your pediatric dentist Chicago.

Why should you even get dental x-rays?  If you thought they were only good for finding a break in your arm, you’re in for a surprise.  X-rays of your mouth, also known as dental radiographs, are capable of detecting several potential issues in your teeth and gums.  From unseen decay to ingrown molars, your dental x-rays can assist your orthodontist Chicago in diagnosing and correcting problem areas in your oral health.  Without them, any decay present below the gumline could remain undetected and run rampant through your system.  This could result in you needing a root canal or having teeth removed. Untreated decay could also amplify the effects of periodontal (gum) disease, which can spread infection to the rest of the body and has been linked to an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

Suffice it to say, dental x-rays can be pretty important.  Well, what about the ever-dreaded radiation?  This Chicago pediatric dentist, for one, can assure you that the risks are minimal.  Did you know that the average person is exposed to radiation every single day of their life?  It’s true!  Your body is constantly absorbing minute amounts of radiation from sources such as the food you eat, the ground beneath your feet, and even outer space.  Your typical dental x-ray only produces about half as much radiation as you are normally exposed to on any given day!  You are exposed to over twice as much radiation just by taking a plane ride across the country, not to mention those full body scans the bigger airports have been putting in.

As you can see, the risks are probably already lower than you originally thought.  But if you’ve ever had an x-ray, you are probably familiar with the heavy coverings that the technician drapes over your body surrounding the area being imaged.  You can probably find at least one lead collar or apron in the office of every Chicago orthodontist.  In addition, dentists will use only the shortest exposure time necessary to capture a good image.  These measures combined help block the rest of your body from being exposed to excess radiation.

Now that you know more about dental x-rays, I hope you see that the advantage far outweighs the danger.  Feel free to ask your pediatric dentist Chicago for more information on the risks and benefits of having dental x-rays taken.


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Pediatric Dentist Chicago - Diastema and Treatment

Diastema is the term used for a space or gap between two teeth, usually referring to the two upper front teeth. Diastema is caused when the size of your teeth and your jaw have an unequal relationship. Other causes include genetics, tongue thrusting, gum disease spreading out the teeth, or frenum, which is weak muscle attachment between teeth. Fortunately, there are treatments available for diastema. Your pediatric dentist Chicago wants to help.

Your orthodontist Chicago might suggest orthodontics as a form of treatment. This includes traditional braces, Invisalign, or dental bands. Orthodontics focus on dental displacement and can realign your teeth, curing diastema. Once you have fixed this problem though, it is important to find a permanent option such as the installation of a permanent retainer or regularly wearing a removable retainer. You can explore these options with your orthodontist Chicago.

Another option your pediatric dentist Chicago might suggest is veneers. A veneer is a thin layer of porcelain placed over your tooth in order to protect it, to improve its aesthetic quality, or in this case, to treat diastema. Veneers can create the look of straighter teeth and close the gap where diastema occurs. Best of all, veneers can be completed in just two visits to your pediatric dentist Chicago.

While diastema can be an unfortunate problem to have, there are treatment options. Orthodontics can be used over a longer period of time to fix diastema. In addition, you could get porcelain veneers to quickly remediate the problem. With either option, you will finally be able to have the smile you’ve always wanted.

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Not all dentists are created equally.

We had a patient come to our pediatric dentist Chicago office yesterday.  She said her last dentist was really quick and when she left her teeth just didn’t feel clean.  We thought at first that maybe she was just really picky.

As we neared the end of her dental exam and began her cleaning, it appeared as if she hadn’t had a professional cleaning in quite some time.  She had plaque and tartar buildup.  We took our time (as we always do) to make sure that we had gotten the best results possible.

After she was done, she smiled and said “Now that’s a cleaning!”  She was glad to have had a thorough cleaning and felt confident that she would be good for another 6 months before seeing her pediatric dentist Chicago again. 

With all of the orthodontist Chicago, it’s no wonder that people may think that all dentists can do the same things.  Having worked in the dental industry for years, I know that’s just untrue. You should look to find a orthodontist Chicago that communicates his/her methods with you, reasons for diagnosis and plans for your oral health.

Whether it’s been 6 months or 6 years since your last dental appointment, it’s important that you generate the courage to call. I can assure you that while in our pediatric dentist Chicago dental office, you will feel comfortable asking questions.  You will always leave feeling that you were treated well and you will begin to look forward to that fresh feeling after each visit. 

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