Dentist Norridge

Dental problems are never fun. Not being able to eat or speak properly can drastically decrease your overall confidence. If you are experiencing a dental problem, it is never too late to get it fixed. Brushing and flossing twice a day along with regular dental cleanings are essential in preventing dental issues.

Here are some common dental problems and how to fix them.

Tooth Decay
Tooth decay occurs when bacteria in your mouth make acids that eat away at a tooth. Over time, these acids destroy tooth enamel, causing tooth decay. Patients suffering from a toothache are likely to have tooth decay. Depending on the severity of the decay, the best treatment is either a filling or a dental crown.

Missing Teeth
Having missing teeth makes eating and speaking more difficult. There are multiple options for those who have missing teeth, including dentures, partials or bridges. However, dental implants are the ideal treatment because they are a permanent solution that looks and feels natural.

Discolored Teeth
Teeth whitening may be a great option if you have dull, discolored or stained teeth. It can also be used to help reverse effects of aging or stains from food and tobacco. Teeth whitening may be an excellent way to restore your smile, while contributing to a healthier and more youthful appearance.

Gum Disease
Over half of American adults suffer from some form of gum disease. Gum disease is an infection in the gums surrounding the teeth and is one of the main causes of tooth loss. Studies have shown that gum disease is also linked to heart attacks and strokes. Proper brushing and flossing twice a day can help prevent this disease.

Wisdom Teeth
About 10 million wisdom teeth are removed each year from 5 million people. Just because your wisdom teeth are not a source of pain doesn’t mean that there is nothing wrong. Most of the time, wisdom teeth need to be removed because they don’t have room to grow properly and may cause problems. Having the wisdom teeth extracted is often the best option for many patients.

For more information on common dental problems, contact our Norridge dentist. We offer a variety of dental services to meet your general, cosmetic and restorative needs.

Norridge, IL Dentist

According to the American Dental Association, you should brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes with fluoride toothpaste and replace your toothbrush every three to four months.

Ask our Norridge dentist for more information on how to brush your teeth for a healthier smile.

Dentist in Norridge

Welcome the new year with a renewed commitment to living healthy. Commit to a resolution that will keep your overall health in good shape as well as your oral health. Here are some dental health tips to consider that will keep you smiling and feeling great.

Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables
Poor nutrition can affect the entire immune system, increasing susceptibility to many common oral disorders, including gum disease. Fruits and vegetables contain antioxidants and other nutrients that help to improve your body’s ability to fight bacteria and inflammation. In addition, crisp fruits and raw vegetables like apples, carrots and celery can help remove plaque and acids from teeth.

Quit smoking
Smoking increases the risk for heart disease, stroke and lung cancer. It also increases your risk for tooth discoloration, cavities, gum recession, gum disease and oral cancer. Smokers are twice as likely to lose their teeth than non-smokers. If you currently use tobacco, consider chewing sugar-free gum. It can stimulate the flow of saliva and can help wash away bacteria.

Limit your alcohol intake
You may already know that excessive alcohol intake can have an effect on your overall health. But it can also impact your oral health. According to the Academy of General Dentistry, those who consume excessive alcohol have increased gum recession. Studies show that people who regularly consume alcohol are also less concerned about their basic health and oral needs.

This year, do yourself and your teeth a favor. You can maintain a healthy diet and improve your oral hygiene. For more information on how you can improve your oral and overall health this new year, contact our Norridge dentist.

Dentist Norridge, IL

Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss and is one of the most common health conditions in our population. It is caused by plaque and bacteria buildup that forms around the gum line, and creates pockets between teeth and gums. This disease can progress and contribute to deteriorating oral health and overall health, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease and pregnancy complications.

Although periodontal disease may progress without pain, it is important to take note of symptoms to prevent further overall health problems.

Symptoms
• Gums that bleed during and after brushing teeth
• Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
• Receding gums
• Formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums
• Red, swollen or tender gums
• Loose or shifting teeth
• Sores in your mouth
• Painful or sensitive teeth

Health and lifestyle changes can help to reduce the risk, severity and speed of gum disease development, including:

Proper Dental Care – Maintaining good oral health consists of professional cleanings by your dentist at least twice a year, as well as proper brushing and flossing. Brushing eliminates plaque from the surfaces of teeth and flossing removes food particles between teeth and under the gum line.

Maintain a Well-Balanced Diet – Proper nutrition can help strengthen your immune system and fight off infection. Eating foods that are high in vitamin E and vitamin C can help your body repair damaged tissue.

Reduce Stress – Stress makes it difficult for your body to fight off infections since it weakens the immune system.

Avoid Clenching and Grinding Your Teeth – Excessive force on your teeth and tissues may increase the rate at which these tissues are destroyed. This pressure may speed up the breakdown of the periodontal ligament and bone.

Stop Smoking – The chemicals in tobacco products is a significant risk factor for the increase of gum disease. People who smoke tend to collect more tartar on their teeth and often develop deeper periodontal pockets once they have gum disease.

If you experience any symptoms of periodontal disease or for more information on prevention, please contact our Norridge dental office.

Dentist Norridge, IL

Registered dietitians at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recognize a link between mouth health and nutrition. Oral infectious diseases, as well as acute, chronic and terminal illnesses with oral symptoms can impact not only our ability to consume food properly, but also our health and nutrition status.

Learn more about the link between nutrition and oral health from your dentist in Norridge, IL.

Dentist in Norridge, IL

Thanksgiving is quickly approaching! This day marks an event where everyone can feast and eat all the food that their tummies can handle. It is one of the few days of the year when people break their diets and really indulge at dinner.

During this time, recipes can be found on how to stay on a healthy diet this holiday while still being able to enjoy delicious meals. However, maintaining good oral health is also essential to your overall health. While there are certain foods that will prevent you from packing on a few pounds, there are foods that will prevent you from tooth decay as well.

Here are some foods that you should eat to keep your smile healthy this holiday:

• Include celery and carrots into your stuffing. Both vegetables contain beta carotene, which helps your body create vitamin A – a nutrient essential for building strong teeth!
• Eat lots of turkey this holiday! Turkey is high in phosphorous, which is needed for tooth development.
• Pumpkin pies are a good source of vitamin C and helps to supply the calcium needed in the development and re-mineralization of teeth.
• Side dishes made with greens and winter vegetables, such as green beans, asparagus and butternut squash, are great sources of vitamin A and C. These nutrients prevent soft, bleeding gums and help protect against oral cancer.
• Eating cranberries can prevent bacteria from sticking to your teeth and forming plaque!

Consider including these foods in your Thanksgiving Day feast and then you can give thanks for many more years of healthy teeth! Drink plenty of water during and in between meals to avoid tooth decay caused by foods that are high in sugar. Remember to brush your teeth and floss after dinner to maintain optimal oral health!

Contact our dental office in Norridge for more information on what foods you should eat on Thanksgiving Day!

Dentist Norridge

In 3500 BC, the Babylonians and Egyptians used chewing sticks to clean their teeth. Look how far the toothbrush has come! Learn more about the history of the toothbrush from your dentist in Norridge.

Dentist in Norridge

Accidents always happen. Be sure to know what to do when one arises – it can be the difference of saving a tooth or losing one.

A dental emergency is an injury to your teeth or gums that can be potentially serious. Ignoring one can increase the risk of permanent damage. For all dental emergencies, it is important to contact our office as soon as the injury occurs. Provide detailed information about the injury to your mouth. We will be able to give you instructions on how to care for your mouth in the time before coming to our office. In some instances, we may recommend emergency care.

Here are some common dental injuries and how to care for them.

Knocked-out tooth
Rinse the tooth with water if it’s dirty and try not to remove any attached tissue fragments. Keep the tooth moist at all times by carefully putting the tooth back in place without forcing it back into the socket. If this is not possible, place the tooth in a small container of milk or in a cup of water that contains a pinch of salt. Contact our dental office as quickly as possible.

Chipped or cracked tooth
Save any pieces if possible. Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the injured area as well as remove any small tooth fragments. Apply cold compresses to your mouth to keep down the swelling and relieve pain.

Objects caught between teeth
Carefully try to remove the object using floss. If you cannot get the object out, see your dentist. It is important to never use a pin or sharp instrument to remove the object since you may cause injury to your gums or the surfaces of your teeth.

Soft-tissue injuries
Injuries to your tongue, cheeks, gums and lips can result in bleeding. To control the bleeding, rinse your mouth with mild salt water. Apply a moistened piece of gauze or tea bag to the bleeding site for about 15 minutes. You may also use a cold compress to relieve pain. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, contact our dental office.

You can also take simple precautions to avoid dental emergencies:

• When participating in sports, always wear a mouth guard
• Avoid chewing ice, popcorn kernels and hard candy
• Never use your teeth to cut things – use scissors

If you encounter a dental emergency, always contact our Norridge dental office as soon as possible. We can provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to care for your mouth or may ask you to come into the office. If you have any additional dental emergency questions, be sure to contact us.