Pediatric dentist Chicago - Periodontal Disease

In our mouths, we have numerous forms of bacteria. Some are helpful and some are harmful. Bacteria in the mouth can be helpful because it helps to sanitize the mouth and breaks down food particles. However, too much bacteria can lead to the development of gum disease which can be damaging to your oral health.  

When the bacteria start to collect in the mouth, it can create a sticky colorless substance known as “plaque” that sticks on to your teeth. If the plaque is not removed during brushing or flossing, the particle can harden and turn in to tartar. Over time, plaque and tartar becomes more difficult to remove at home so a professional cleaning with the pediatric dentist Chicago is important for maintaining your oral health and preventing decay and periodontal (gum) disease.

The longer the plaque and tartar remain on the teeth, the more harm they can cause to your oral health. Eventually plaque and tartar will create a mild form of gum disease called Gingivitis, which is an inflammation of the gum tissue. Ideally, routine cleanings and proper oral care can prevent gingivitis from developing. Once gum disease is prevalent, only your pediatric dentist chicago il can help to maintain the disease and prevent it from progressing. 

In cases where gingivitis is not treated, it can then advance to periodontal disease. With periodontal disease, the inflammation now affects the soft tissue (gums) and the tooth and if left unattended, it can cause the tooth to loosen or fall out. 

Having periodontal disease also can affect your overall bodily health. In many studies, there have been connections with periodontal disease to diabetes and heart disease. It is important to regularly see the pediatric dentist in chicago for a routine, professional cleaning and examination to prevent gum disease.

With periodontal disease, the pediatric dentist in chicago il has solutions to help you prevent and maintain gum disease. A common solution for controlling periodontal disease is a deep dental cleaning, which can be performed by your Chicago pediatric dentist or certified hygienist.

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Pediatric dentist Chicago - Sensitive Teeth

When you eat hot or cold food does it make you wince? How about brushing or flossing your teeth, do you feel any pain? If so, you may have a condition of sensitive teeth. For many people, sensitive teeth are common. However, if sensitive teeth are frequent and really bother you, you may want to visit the pediatric dentist chicago to determine if it is a result of a more serious condition.

The Pediatric dentist chicago IL commonly see sensitive teeth affecting many people. It tends to develop over time and gradually creates hypersensitivity when using or caring for your teeth. Sensitivity is caused by an exposure of dentin which lies under the enamel of your teeth. Dentin is a soft tissue that is made up of small hollow tubes and canals and is near the nerves and cells inside your tooth. Once food particles or temperature reaches the exposed dentin, it then creates a surge of pain or sensitivity.

Sometimes sensitive teeth can be caused by a variety of dental conditions. If you are brushing too hard or tend to grind your teeth at night, that causes your teeth enamel to wear out and expose the dentin. Or if you have a gum disease such as gingivitis or have receding gums, then the gum tissue can become weaken or inflamed which then also causes the exposure of dentin. Be sure to see the Chicago Pediatric dentist regularly to help ease the pain of sensitivity. 

Sensitive teeth can be easily treated by changing your tooth paste that will help block the sensation of sensitivity from your teeth. Or if you feel that your situation may be more severe, then asking a Chicago IL pediatric dentist for suggestions of treatment would also be helpful.

However proper oral hygiene is the first step in preventing sensitive teeth. Your Pediatric dentist in chicago would be able to provide more information about how to properly maintain a healthy mouth.

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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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Pediatric Dentist in Chicago - It Starts With What You Eat

Have you ever wondered about natural ways to prevent cavities and tooth decay? Your refrigerator is a great place to look. In addition to getting regular oral exams and cleanings from your pediatric dentist Chicago, the American Dental Association recommends reducing the amount of sugary foods you eat.

One of the many cavity preventers that your Chicago pediatric dentist recommends is cheese. Cheese contains the protein, casein, which helps re-mineralize teeth and increase the calcium levels in the mouth. In addition to cheese, unsweetened kefir or yogurt contains calcium and phosphorus which help strengthen the enamel and other minerals found in your teeth. Another cavity preventer that reduces bacterial growth is apples. Not only do apples and cheese prevent tooth decay, but your local dentist also recommends cranberries as well. Cranberries, like apples, contain traces of flavonoids which help prevent bacteria from sticking to the surfaces of your teeth. Peanuts are another great cavity preventer. Your pediatric dentist in Chicago recommends eating foods that require more chewing because they tend to decrease plaque build-up.

Your pediatric dentist in Chicago IL also firmly believes in drinking properly as well. Drinking water regularly helps your mouth and gums to stay hydrated and provide your teeth with fluoride. Another beverage that can help to prevent cavities is black tea. Black tea contains flavonoids and fluoride to help strengthen the mineral composition of teeth, much like water and apples. Although there are many benefits to drinking tea, drinking too much tea can cause staining and darkening of your teeth, so it is important to maintain good oral hygiene in order to prevent this from occurring.

In addition to eating and drinking a few of these oral promoters, regular visits to your Chicago IL pediatric dentist not only saves money, but it also helps you to maintain a beautiful smile for the rest of your life.

 

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Pediatric Dentist Chicago - Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening, also known as tooth bleaching is a procedure most commonly practiced in cosmetic dentistry. Bleaching the tooth lightens the tooth to its natural color. Many methods of whitening are available as over the counter products to be used in the privacy of your home, but also include dentist-supervised teeth whitening that is done in office. The common home remedies include whitening toothpastes, rinses, strips and gels. 

In office teeth whitening, like your pediatric dentist Chicago may offer in their office, is the most effective way to whiten your teeth. Most treatments apply the whitening ingredients directly on the teeth. Your pediatric dentist in Chicago then shines a LED light on the teeth. The whitening ingredients work with the light to whited deep in the tooth and to lighten the stains. This procedure has the best results that last the longest. This procedure is is done with delicate care of the doctor. 

Your Chicago pediatric dentist may also suggest home treatments that could be very effective as well, and will improve your dental health. Whitening toothpastes can remove surface stains but not stains that are deep in the tooth. The mild abrasives that are in whitening toothpastes help prevent stains caused by food and beverages as well. Whitening toothpastes are gentle and won't make your mouth sensitive like many other whitening processes will. Your pediatric dentist Chicago IL recommends whitening rinses that are more commonly known as mouth washes. Rinses are also gentle, yet very effective. Even though the actual rinse is only touching the surface of your teeth for about 60 seconds, the rinse includes powerful ingredients such as hydrogen peroxide to help fight stains. Rinses also freshen your breath and help fight plaque and gum disease. Over-the-Counter whitening strips and gels are the most effective way to whiten your teeth at home. They are applied directly to the teeth and sit on the teeth for 30 minutes. 

You should visit yourpediatric dentist in Chicago IL to get a consultation on which treatment is best for you and the health of your teeth. Your Chicago pediatric dentist will give you the best option for you to get a whiter, brighter smile!

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Orthodontist Chicago - Treating Your Abscessed Tooth

Tooth abscess is a common issue among people. Most people do not understand what it means, though. Tooth abscess is where the nerve of your tooth has become infected, causing discomfort and toothache. This can be caused by untreated tooth decay, a cracked or broken tooth or filling, or from advanced gum disease. It is important to recognize the symptoms of tooth abscess so that orthodontist in Chicago can treat your tooth right away. 

Symptoms of an abscessed tooth include:

• incessant tooth ache or throbbing near the tooth
• swelling of glands in your neck
• chronic bad breath
• bitter or foul taste in your mouth
• inflammation of gum tissue
• drainage from gum tissue
• fever
• tooth sensitivity to temperature

If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, you should immediately schedule a visit with Chicago orthodontist. Your dentist can prescribe an antibiotic to kill some of the germs from the abscess. He can also help to drain the infection in your mouth. orthodontist in Chicago will also recommend a treatment to entirely remove the infection in order to prevent recurrence of abscess. His gentle care will help you to feel better in no time.

If left untreated, the discomfort will eventually subside. This does not mean the infection is gone; it just means that the nerve has likely died. This problem can spread to other parts of your body such as your neck and jaw, so it important to seek help from orthodontist Chicago in order to maintain your health and to prevent any further issues.

Many people have tried home remedies for tooth abscess. Some of these treatments include over the counter pain relief medication, rinsing with salt water, or even trying to drain the infection on their own. While these home remedies might bring temporary relief, it is crucial to your health to let your Chicago orthodontist treat your tooth abscess. Your long term health is important, and immediately seeking treatment for tooth abscess will greatly benefit your overall health in the future.

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Pediatric Dentist Chicago - How To Prevent Halitosis

Halitosis, commonly known as bad breath, can be very unpleasant. Many things can cause halitosis, such as the foods we eat, smoking, and even alcohol consumption. This bad breath can be transient, meaning it is only temporary, or it can be persistent, meaning that it is a chronic condition. Your pediatric dentist in Chicago recommends frequent brushing and flossing as a way to help combat halitosis.

Without frequent brushing and flossing, food particles can build up in your mouth. The presence of these food particles can also lead to plaque build up, which triggers persistent halitosis. It is also important to clean your tongue regularly. This will clear away the dead cells that may contain bacteria, freshening your breath and maintaining a healthier smile. Along with regular brushing and flossing, it is important to visit your Orthodontist Chicago in order to receive a deeper cleaning. 

In addition, your Chicago Orthodontist recommends that you drink a lot of water. This will keep your mouth moist, helping to wash away any food particles that have been left behind. Mouthwash is a great way to kill bacteria, but it should be used to supplement to brushing and flossing as opposed to as a substitute. 

Halitosis can be a warning sign of gum disease. The bacteria in plaque causes the formation of toxins in your mouth, and this bacteria could be a source of the odor. If you suspect that you are experiencing the onset of gum disease, you should immediately seek preventative care from your Orthodontist in Chicago in order to stop it in its tracks. 

Although halitosis can be persistent, there are many ways to combat it such as practicing good oral hygiene and making regular trips to your Orthodontist Chicago. Not only do these treatments help to fight off bad breath, but they will also help you to maintain your beautiful smile.

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Orthodontist Chicago - Only Floss The Teeth You Want To Keep

Every time you stop in to visit your Orthodontist Chicago, you are asked, “Do you floss regularly?” This is because flossing is instrumental in maintaining a healthy, beautiful smile. It helps to remove the plaque that brushing alone can’t reach. While we all know brushing is critical to your oral health, it is important to understand the benefits of flossing daily.

Flossing is a great way to protect your gums. When you floss, your Chicago Orthodontist recommends also working between your gums and teeth in order to remove plaque within between your gums. This will prevent the accumulation of plaque that eventually hardens into tartar. Tartar buildup can cause gum disease, which is the leading cause of tooth loss. While you can remove plaque from your teeth and gums, tartar is much stronger, meaning that it requires a trip to your Orthodontist in Chicago in order to remove it. Simple, preventative care such as flossing regularly can help to ward off tartar and to keep all of your teeth.

Flossing can also provide financial benefits. This preventative care can reduce more severe problems down the road. Regular visits to your Orthodontist Chicago IL for a cleaning is a lot more cost effective than needing emergency care due to a lack of flossing. Flossing is a great way to stop the problems before they even start.

Flossing is also beneficial to your overall health. By maintaining great oral health, you are able to prevent other systematic problems such as heart disease and respiratory disease. Your Orthodontist in Chicago IL wants you to life a long, healthy life, and it all starts with maintaining your beautiful, clean smile.

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Stop Grinding Your Teeth!

Bruxism, or teeth grinding and clenching, is very common among people. Caused by stress, anxiety, and sometimes an abnormal bite, teeth grinding often occurs while you are sleeping, so many people do not even realize they are doing it. Your orthodontist Chicago has some pointers on how to recognize bruxism, though.

There are a couple of symptoms to watch out for if you suspect that you grind your teeth. A dull, constant headache is a sign that you grind your teeth in your sleep. Also, a sore jaw is a telltale sign of bruxism. If you suspect that you suffer from bruxism, you should immediately see your Chicago orthodontist because there are many adverse effects that come from teeth grinding.

Teeth grinding can result in loosening of teeth, which can eventually lead to tooth loss. You could also wear your teeth down to the point of needing crowns, root canals, or dentures. In addition, it can affect your hearing, your jaw, and can even alter the appearance of your face. There are solutions, though, and your orthodontist Chicago wants to help you stop grinding your teeth.

Your orthodontist Chicago wants to help. You can be fitted with a mouth guard to protect your teeth at night. In addition, if you notice that you clench your jaw during the day, you should actively try to break your habit. Your Chicago orthodontist might recommend courses of action to reduce stress such as attending stress counseling or starting a new exercise program. You can stop bruxism, but you need to be proactive about it.

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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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Dental Anesthesia – What you should know

Many of the patients that see our Pediatric Dentist Chicago ask about anesthesia options.  Depending on your prescribed dental treatment, the doctor will recommend and administer the anesthesia.  We utilize a topical anesthetic that allows for initial numbing prior to administering any type of injection. 

Our Pediatric Dentist Chicago also uses a tester to ensure that you are fully numb prior to your dental procedure.  If at any time you have questions for our Orthodontist Chicago, please don’t hesitate to ask.  We are always here for you. 

We know it may be difficult to communicate during your dental procedure.  This can cause anxiety for even the most courageous patient. We will check in with your regularly to make sure you are comfortable.  We also take breaks during any procedure more than 30 minutes in length.  At any time, simply raise your hand and we can take a break. 

Open communication with your Orthodontist Chicago, will make your visit enjoyable.  For highly fearful patients, we have additional treatment options available. Just call our dental office in Orthodontist Chicago for more information. 

Whether you are seeing our hygienist or have an appointment with the dentist, it is our goal to make sure you are always comfortable. If you have any further concerns or questions about our anesthetic processes, please contact our office.  If you’d like to make an appointment with our Pediatric Dentist Chicago, we will be sure to get you in at our earliest convenience. 

We believe your smile should last you a lifetime and we’re here to help your smile look beautiful and brilliant while maintaining optimum health. 

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