Children's Dentist Chicago - Dry Mouth

Drooling, spitting, licking and swishing are all ways we use saliva. Even though we don’t pay too much attention to the use of our saliva, it is actually a very vital substance for our everyday living. We use saliva to eat more easily, to taste our food, and to disinfect our mouths. However, if we don’t produce enough saliva, we are left to experience an uncomfortable condition the children's dentist Chicago call Xerstomia, or dry mouth. 

Everyone experiences dry mouth at some point in their lives. People experience dry mouth when they are nervous, dehydrated or simply stressed out. Although very common, it can be very uncomfortable and irritating for those who experience it regularly. Frequent dry mouth can not only make your mouth feel uncomfortably dry, it can also create other uncomfortable symptoms. Some other symptoms include problems with eating and swallowing, dry lips, problems tasting food, and gradual tooth decay or bacteria buildup. If you feel you are constantly experiencing dry mouth, be sure to contact Children's dentist Chicago IL for an evaluation.  

One of the main reasons why people may frequently experience dry mouth is because it is a side effect from certain medications that they are taking which the children's dentist in Chicago can help determine. It can also be a side effect from diseases such as diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, or HIV/AIDS. Also, certain treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy can also develop dry mouth symptoms. 

If you are experiencing dry mouth, then there are a couple simple ways you can help ease it. Ensuring that you drink enough water, chewing gum or simply maintaining proper oral care can help with easing the feeling of dry mouth.  If you still feel that the at home treatments are not enough, the Children's Dentist in Chicago IL would be able to suggest other alternative treatment plans to help with dry mouth. Be sure to see the Chicago children's Dentist regularly to ensure the best possible care for your oral health.

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Pediatric Dentist Chicago - Dental Fluorosis

Fluoride is great compound to use to help children and adults prevent tooth decay and fight cavities. We use fluoride in our daily use of tooth paste, mouthwashes or scheduled routine cleaning from our dentist. However, over consumption of fluoride from common household products can lead to a diagnosis called Dental Fluorosis by your pediatric dentist 

What is it?

Dental Fluorosis is a condition that changes the appearance of permanent teeth causing the teeth to look discolored or rough. The teeth may have white lace-like or spotted markings that only the pediatric dentist Chicago can see. In more severe cases, the teeth may appear yellow or have a rough surface to the common-eye.  Fluorosis can only occur in children within their early ages of life up to age 8 because it only affects permanent teeth that are still within the gums and are starting to grow out. Once the permanent teeth grow out, the visual characteristics of fluorosis will appear.

How does fluorosis happen?

As stated earlier, fluorosis occurs when fluoride is overused or consumed. Young children may enjoy the taste of toothpaste or mouthwash and instead of spitting it out, children consume it.  Some other sources that may contain fluoride that children can overly consume may include drinking water, certain beverages or food that use fluoridated water or in some cases dietary tablets. To learn about fluorosis, you can always contact the pediatric dentist in Chicago

What are some treatment methods?

Fluorosis usually is very mild and doesn’t require any treatment. In the rare cases where fluorosis appears more severe, you may want to check in with Chicago pediatric dentist in order to learn about treatment options. These options might include teeth whitening, hard resin coating (bonding), inserting crowns, or veneers. The pediatric dentist in Chicago IL would be able to perform the necessary treatment to fix fluorosis.

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