At DiChristofano & DiChristofano Dental Care, we understand how crucial regular dental visits are for children. The American Dental Association recommends scheduling check-ups every six months, and this is particularly important for your growing child. As their mouths change, they become more susceptible to tooth decay, making it essential to establish good oral health habits early on.

During your child’s visit to our Norridge office, we will conduct a thorough screening for tooth decay and gum disease. Our experienced team will also perform a professional cleaning to remove any plaque or tartar buildup. Regular cleanings are vital for maintaining a healthy mouth and preventing future dental issues.

We take the time to educate your child on proper brushing techniques and overall oral hygiene. Depending on their age, we may also introduce them to flossing and mouthwash use. Our friendly, patient staff are adept at making dental visits enjoyable and stress-free for kids, ensuring they feel comfortable and informed.

In some cases, we may recommend fluoride treatments to strengthen your child’s enamel and enhance its resistance to decay. This safe and effective procedure is a simple way to protect their teeth.

Sealants might also be suggested as part of your child’s dental care. These protective coatings are applied to the chewing surfaces of molars and premolars, where cavities are most likely to develop. Sealants are typically applied once these permanent teeth come in, offering protection through the cavity-prone years of ages 6 to 14. The application process is quick and straightforward:

• Your child’s teeth are cleaned thoroughly
• The teeth are dried
• A liquid solution is applied to the chewing surfaces
• The solution is set with a special curing light

Sealants provide a barrier against plaque and acids, helping to prevent decay. They can last for several years before needing reapplication. However, they are not a replacement for brushing and flossing. Maintaining good oral hygiene and continuing with regular professional cleanings is essential for overall dental health.

At DiChristofano & DiChristofano Dental Care, our expert team is dedicated to providing exceptional care for your child’s dental needs through every stage of their development. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact our Norridge office today.

Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you, and achieving a more youthful smile can be as simple as whitening your teeth. At DiChristofano & DiChristofano Dental Care, we offer professional teeth whitening services for both new and existing patients to help you look and feel younger.

Why Teeth Discolor

No matter how well you care for your teeth, discoloration is inevitable. Factors such as genetics, antibiotics, tobacco use, and certain foods can lead to stained teeth. As we age, our teeth naturally darken. While preventing tooth discoloration entirely is nearly impossible, our skilled team can help reverse these effects, giving you a whiter, brighter smile.

Professional Teeth Whitening Options

Teeth whitening can be done in-office or at home, and both methods use a special whitening agent to bleach stains and brighten your smile. Our dentist will discuss your specific needs and goals to determine the best option for you.

In-Office Teeth Whitening

In-office whitening is the fastest way to achieve a dazzling smile. Under the supervision of our experienced dental professionals, we use a stronger bleaching solution than at-home kits, delivering optimal results more quickly. Patients often find they look younger simply by restoring their bright, white smile.

During an in-office whitening session, we will:

1. Clean your teeth thoroughly.
2. Apply a whitening agent, carefully avoiding your gums and soft tissue.
3. Use a laser light to expedite the whitening process.
4. Repeat the process as needed for maximum results.

At-Home Teeth Whitening

If visiting our office isn’t convenient for you, we also offer effective at-home whitening solutions. There are numerous over-the-counter products available, including whitening toothpastes, gels, rinses, strips, and trays. For the best at-home results, we recommend custom-made whitening trays that fit your teeth perfectly, ensuring even whitening.

While at-home results are less dramatic compared to professional treatments, they can still significantly brighten your smile over time.

Achieve Your Youthful Smile

If you’re looking to rejuvenate your smile and create a more youthful appearance, contact DiChristofano & DiChristofano Dental Care, your trusted dentist in Norridge. Schedule a consultation today to learn more about our teeth whitening services and how we can help you achieve a brighter, more youthful smile.

As a parent, ensuring your child develops lifelong healthy dental habits is crucial. Establishing good oral hygiene routines early can be challenging, especially when trying to get young children to brush and floss regularly. By making dental care fun, you can encourage your child to take an active role in their oral health. Here are some engaging tips from DiChristofano & DiChristofano Dental Care to make dental hygiene enjoyable for your child:

Pick Out a Special Toothbrush

One effective way to keep your child excited about brushing is to let them choose their own toothbrush. Whether it’s in their favorite color or features their favorite cartoon character, a child-sized soft-bristled brush can make brushing more appealing. Electric or battery-operated toothbrushes are even better for removing plaque and adding a bit of fun to the routine.

Choose Children’s Toothpaste

Using toothpaste designed for kids can make a big difference. While adults may prefer minty flavors, many children find mint too strong. Allow your child to pick a children’s toothpaste in a flavor they enjoy, such as fruity or bubblegum. This makes brushing for a full two minutes more pleasant. Just be sure they don’t swallow too much.

Use a Timer

Two minutes can feel like an eternity for a child. Instead of making them guess or count the time, use a timer to keep them engaged. Options range from a simple sand timer to a manual stopwatch or even a fun app on a phone or tablet. Many apps turn brushing into a game, which can make the experience more enjoyable. Letting your child control the timer can boost their confidence and keep them focused.

Brush (and Floss) Together

Children often imitate their parents, making you the most influential role model in their lives. Brushing and flossing together not only helps them learn proper techniques but also reinforces the importance of oral hygiene. When your child sees you taking dental care seriously, they are more likely to follow suit.

For more tips on making dental hygiene fun for your child, or to schedule an appointment, contact DiChristofano & DiChristofano Dental Care, your trusted dentist in Norridge. We’re here to support your family’s oral health journey.

Periodontal disease affects nearly half of Americans, with symptoms ranging from mild gingivitis to severe periodontitis, which can lead to significant damage, including bone loss and tooth extraction. At DiChristofano & DiChristofano Dental Care, our skilled dentist in Norridge is equipped to manage and treat all stages of periodontal disease for both new and existing patients.

The Importance of Oral Hygiene in Preventing Gum Disease

Effective oral hygiene practices are crucial in preventing gum disease. Regular brushing, flossing, and routine professional exams and cleanings form the foundation of good oral health. Neglecting these practices allows plaque to build up on teeth and under the gums. Over time, if not removed, this plaque hardens into tartar, which can only be eliminated by a dental professional during a cleaning.

How Periodontal Disease Progresses

Without proper treatment, gum disease can advance, causing more severe issues. Early symptoms include red, swollen, and painful gums that may bleed easily. As the condition progresses, tartar and bacteria multiply, requiring professional periodontal treatment to prevent further damage.

Periodontitis, the advanced stage of periodontal disease, involves gum recession and the formation of pockets around the teeth. These pockets are challenging to clean and can lead to severe damage to the bone and soft tissues if not treated promptly. Periodontitis is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults.

Recognizing and Addressing Risk Factors

Several factors increase the risk of developing periodontal disease, including:

• Inadequate oral hygiene
• Diabetes
• Autoimmune disorders
• Smoking
• Genetics
• Hormonal changes in women

Some medications can also contribute to gum overgrowth, complicating proper oral hygiene.

Comprehensive Care for Periodontal Disease in Norridge

At DiChristofano & DiChristofano Dental Care, our dentist in Norridge provides comprehensive care for periodontal disease. If you notice symptoms like bad breath, bleeding or painful gums, sensitive teeth, or teeth that feel loose, it’s essential to seek a periodontal evaluation.

We specialize in diagnosing and treating all stages of periodontal disease, offering personalized care for each patient. Our goal is to provide the best possible treatment to maintain your oral health and prevent further complications.

Contact DiChristofano & DiChristofano Dental Care today to schedule your periodontal evaluation. Our dedicated team is here to help you achieve and maintain optimal oral health through expert care and treatment tailored to your needs.

Many sports drinks contain electrolytes which can be helpful to maintain energy levels when engaging in physical activities. You may believe that sports drinks are healthy but the truth of the matter is, they are not healthy. Energy drinks are those like Monster and Rockstar. Sports drinks and energy drinks are also seen as a tasty alternative to water when it comes to staying hydrated. It is important to know the negative effects and damage that these drinks do to your teeth.  

Up to 62 percent of children of the same age drink at least one sports drink per day and between 30 and 50 percent of teenagers in the United States drink these types of beverages regularly. With these numbers being so high it is important to take notice on the negative effects these drinks can have on teeth. The danger to both children and adults in sports drinks and energy drinks comes not only from the sugar content but also from the acidity. These types of drinks contain a significant amount of acid that they begin destroying the teeth of the person drinking them in as little as five days. 

There is a lot of damage being done to your oral health when consuming sports drinks and energy drinks. Energy and sports drinks can damage tooth enamel, increasing the risk of cavities and tooth decay. These drinks erodes or thin out the enamel of the teeth, leaving them more susceptible to decay and sensitivity. Athletes drink these beverages to remain hydrated and sip them frequently during exercise. This increases the time that teeth are exposed to the acidity and high sugar content of sports drinks, leaving them vulnerable to decay. 

While sports drinks and energy drinks can be an alternative to water, there are ways to promote great oral health. The best way to promote oral health is to keep yourself hydrated with water to prevent negative effects that sports and energy drinks bring. If you feel that you must use sports drinks, rinse your mouth with water afterwards and do not brush your teeth right after you have consumed a sports drink. Also, read the ingredient labels before you consume drinks. Avoid high amounts of acid and sugar, especially if you already have teeth problems. 

Getting healthy is great for your body and your mouth, but sports and energy drinks are not a necessary part of well-being. There are many alternatives, it’s just a matter of finding what works best for you. One must maintain oral health to make sure to have a lasting smile. Talk to your dentist about preventative care for your oral health.