The Most Frequently Asked Dental Questions Answered  

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Do you have questions you always seem to forget to ask your dentist during your routine dental cleaning in Willowbrook, IL? If so, you are not alone. That is why we are going to answer the questions most people have but forget to ask.

Most dentists in Willowbrook, IL will tell you these are the most frequently asked questions they get when their patients remember to ask.

Why do I sometimes have bad breath?

Usually, bad breath is caused by the food particles in your mouth that have been there for a long period of time. These food particles are broken down by bacteria which produces a sulfur compound that results in bad breath. Other causes of bad breath include tooth decay and smoking. You can help eliminate bad breath by flossing once a day and brushing your teeth at least twice a day. This will help remove the food particles, tartar, and plaque that lead to bad breath. Additionally, make sure you see your dentist every six months for a routine dental cleaning and exam.

Should I use an electric toothbrush instead of a manual toothbrush?

If you choose to use a manual toothbrush, make sure you are using good brushing techniques, which include brushing for two to three minutes at least twice a day. Doing so can be as effective as using an electric toothbrush. However, many people do not brush properly or long enough, especially kids. In that case, those people might benefit from using an electric toothbrush. Additionally, for those who have arthritis or hand dexterity issues, an electric toothbrush will generally be easier to use.

How often should I floss?

You should floss once a day before brushing and just before you go to bed. You don’t want to over-floss or floss too deeply. Doing so could damage your gums, which can lead to gum disease and tooth decay.

What’s Next?

If you need a dentist in Willowbrook, IL, or just have some questions first, please Contact Dentists of Hinsdale Lake today. We promise to work together with you and listen to your feedback while providing a welcoming, comfortable environment to create an exceptional patient experience.

 

what could be causing my tooth pain

What Could Be Causing My Toothache?  

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Are you suffering from a toothache? There are many reasons you could be having this problem. From a cavity to standard tooth sensitivity, dentists have seen it all. Your dentist in Willowbrook, IL can help. The first step is to identify the potential cause. Below, we’ll list some of the most common reasons that people suffer from toothaches.

Potential Causes of A Toothache

Cracked Tooth

A cracked tooth can cause pain when you’re drinking cold liquids or eating hot foods. You may also experience a toothache when you’re biting into something sticky or hard. If you have a cracked tooth, you may not be able to tell if your tooth is cracked. Cracks can be difficult to see and may also be hidden on the side of the tooth obscured from your view. Only your dentist can tell you for sure if this is the reason you’re experiencing a problem.

Cavity

A cavity is a hole in your tooth caused by tooth decay. Cavities form when acid causes the hard outer part of the tooth to wear down. You may be able to see the cavity for yourself, depending on its location. Simply open your mouth and look at the tooth. If you have a cavity, you may see a hole or a brown or black spot on your tooth, and you may feel pain when you’re biting down, eating or drinking.

Tooth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity in response to hot and cold liquids can happen for a variety of reasons. Some people experience tooth sensitivity temporarily after their teeth are whitened, other people may experience tooth sensitivity because of damage to the tooth or because of gum recession.

Infection

An infection in your tooth may require a root canal in Willowbrook, IL. An untreated tooth with an infection may eventually need to be pulled, so it’s important to get your tooth inspected as soon as possible.

Are You Suffering from a Toothache? Call Today

Toothaches can make big problems! If you’re suffering from a toothache, you shouldn’t have to live with the pain. Make an appointment with Dentists of Hinsdale Lake to get a checkup and treatment for your toothache.

Don’t delay – some problems can be serious. Waiting for treatment could lead to a lost tooth. Call us to get your appointment on the schedule.

 

smiling-young-man-sitting-dentist-chair-while-doctor-examining-his-teeth

Why Do I Need to See the Dentist Twice Per Year?  

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Your dentist in Willowbrook, IL wants you to see them twice annually, but do you know why? Seeing the dentist can help you stay on top of dental conditions and avoid dental problems that can impact your oral health and hygiene for years to come. At Dentists of Hinsdale Lake, we provide twice yearly dental services to patients because we believe in preventative dental work.

Value of Twice Yearly Dental Appointments

During your twice yearly dental appointment, your dentist will remove plaque from your teeth and check your teeth for early signs of a dental problem, like gum disease.

Dental problems develop over time, and the longer you go between dental appointments, the more severe the problem will be when it’s finally identified. Even if you clean your teeth twice daily and have excellent oral hygiene habits, it’s important to see the dentist.

What Happens During Your Dental Cleanings

During your standard dental appointments, the dentist and their team of professionals will:

  • Clean your teeth, using dental tools to scrape off plaque
  • Use a gritty toothpaste to clean your teeth more
  • Floss your teeth
  • Examine your teeth for signs of a problem

During your dental appointments, your dentist may also take X-rays of your teeth and give you a fluoride treatment. These treatments aren’t necessary at every appointment. Your dentist will let you know when you’re scheduled for these appointments.

Noticing Symptoms of a Problem? When to Make an Appointment with the Dentist

It’s important to see the dentist when you’re noticing signs of a problem. Symptoms of dental problems include:

  • Pain in the teeth and gums surrounding the teeth
  • Bleeding gums
  • Bad breath that won’t go away even after brushing your teeth
  • Swelling around the tooth or in the face
  • Loose teeth
  • Cracked or damaged teeth

The symptoms above could be signs of dental disease, or that you need treatment like a root canal. If you’re having these problems, don’t wait until your regular six-month appointment to see the dentist. See the dentist as soon as possible.

Even if you’re not noticing signs of a problem, Dentists of Hinsdale Lake offers preventative and periodontal care in Willowbrook IL for patients who want to avoid dental problems like root canals, cavities and more. Call today to make an appointment.

 

Administering First Aid for Common Dental Emergencies

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When a dental emergency happens, you should be prepared to act quickly and accordingly. Therefore, learning how to handle specific emergencies ahead of time will help minimize pain and trauma. Of course, after initially treating a dental emergency, you will still need to see your dentist in Willowbrook, IL.

General First Aid for Dental Emergencies

The purpose of administering first aid for dental emergencies is to reduce any bleeding, pain, or swelling of the affected area. It’s also important when dealing with teeth to find any knocked-out teeth or tooth chips so they can be inserted back into your mouth. If you experience any type of dental trauma, you might also require some cosmetic dentistry in Willowbrook, IL.

Ice Pack and Over the Counter Pain Medications

If your mouth injury involves pain and swelling, it helps to put an ice pack or cool, wet cloth on the side of your face. Then you can take some pain medication such as acetaminophen and/or an oral anesthetic to help reduce the pain until you get to your emergency dentist.

Mouth Rinses

If you have an oral infection, abscess, toothache, or any other type of mouth injury, rinse your mouth out with some warm saltwater. This will sometimes help reduce the pain and draw out any infection you might have. However, you will still need to see your emergency dentist, so the issue doesn’t fester and get worse.

Gather Your Knocked-Out Teeth and Any Tooth Chips

As we mentioned above, don’t forget to immediately gather any tooth chips and/or knocked out teeth and put them in your Save-a-Tooth solution (see below). This will help preserve them and increase the chances of them being able to be successfully reimplanted.

Another thing you should consider is to have a dental first aid kit on hand.

Dental First Aid Kit

Here is a list of items you should include in your dental first aid kit.

  • Medical-grade exam gloves
  • Flashlight
  • Dental mirror
  • Dental wax, floss, toothpicks
  • Tweezers
  • Sterile gauze
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Ice pack
  • Orajel or Anbesol
  • Over the counter pain medication
  • Clove oil (works as a sedative to alleviate pain)
  • Teabag (a wet tea bag inside of a piece of gauze sometimes helps stop bleeding)
  • Save-a-Tooth preservation kit. This is a saline solution that is compatible with your bodily fluids. It’s the best way to keep your tooth/teeth viable when they are knocked out. However, a tooth can only be out of your mouth for a few hours or so before the probability of reimplantation goes down. You can buy the Save-a-Tooth product online.

You can also buy a dental first aid kit online or ask your dentist for a recommendation.

If you need a dentist in Willowbrook, IL, please Contact Dentists of Hinsdale Lake.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. If you have a medical emergency of any kind, please dial 911 or consult your physician.

When Is It Time for an Extraction?

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No one likes to think about having a tooth pulled, but sometimes it’s the only thing that can be done. If you want to preserve your dental health, it will mean preventing other issues that can be caused by leaving the tooth where it is. Unfortunately, those consequences can be somewhat severe if you let it lie. We’ll tell you when it’s time for a tooth extraction in Willowbrook, IL (and why it might not be as bad as you think).

Impaction

If your tooth is impacted, it means it’s putting pressure on another tooth. These teeth are more susceptible to inflammation and infection, which can cause anything from bleeding gums to a swollen jaw. Most of the time, it’s the wisdom teeth that are impacted, though it can happen to any of your other teeth.

Severe Decay

If a tooth has become too weak or brittle, it may be past the point of a filling or even a root canal. A tooth extraction will prevent the pain, swelling, and redness that can occur if a tooth can’t handle everyday wear-and tear.

Gum Disease

Gum disease is caused by plaque and tartar build-up. It causes an inflammation of the gums that can spread to the bone around the teeth. If it becomes too damaged, it may not be able to hold the teeth to the surrounding structures.

Trauma

When your teeth sustain a major injury, such as from a car crash or unexpected fall, the trauma will be too much for the tooth to sustain. Much like the other issues mentioned above, if it doesn’t come out, it can end in a serious infection.

Overcrowding

Overcrowding is often solved with appliances like braces, though sometimes there’s no other way to fix your smile besides yanking out an offending tooth. This will not only free up some space, it can prevent pain that comes with severe overcrowding.

Find a Dentist in Willowbrook, IL

If you need a dentist in Willowbrook, IL for a tooth extraction, Dentists of Hinsdale Lake is a practice that’s as welcome as we are gentle. Contact us to find out how our procedures are designed to minimize discomfort (regardless of the last time you visited a professional).

Five Benefits of Dental Implants 

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Is your smile the first thing people notice? For many, it is, but not necessarily for the right reasons. If your beautiful smile needs an upgrade, talk to yourdentist in Willowbrook, IL, about dental implants. Dental implants look and function just like your natural teeth, which is why they’re such a popular dental procedure. But aside from helping you bite and chew more easily, dental implants can also restore your smile to its dazzling best. In fact, they offer multiple benefits.

1. Preventing Bone Loss

Bone loss occurs when you have a tooth extracted, or lose a tooth, and put nothing in its place. It’s the pressure that normal biting and chewing places on a tooth that keeps the bone beneath it healthy. When that pressure is no longer in place, the bone is slowly reabsorbed by the body. Over time, this can wreak havoc on your dental health as teeth shift and reposition. Dental implants can help you avoid damage from bone loss.

2. Filling Gaps and Holes

Gaps and spaces left by shifting teeth are unsightly and may make you want to hide your beautiful smile. Fortunately, dental implants are great at hiding flaws such as large gaps.

3. Eliminating Tooth and Jaw Pain

When things aren’t positioned well inside your mouth, this may cause your jaw to become misaligned. An uneven jaw can cause headaches, jaw pain, and even pain in the back or shoulder. Dental implants can prevent an uneven jaw.

4. Improving Speech

As teeth shift and separate from the space left behind by an extracted tooth, it may become impossible to bring your upper and lower front teeth together. This may result in a speech impediment that makes it difficult to pronounce certain letters, such as ‘s’. If you talk with your dentist in Willowbrook, IL, about dental implants, you may avoid problems with your speech.

5. Making it Easier to Bite and Chew

And when upper and lower teeth no longer come together as intended, eating becomes a chore. It’s more difficult to bite and chew your favorite foods, such as spaghetti. This can increase your risk of choking.

Call Dentists of Hinsdale Lake Today

If you’re ready to talk aboutdental implants in Willowbrook, IL, call the Dentists of Hinsdale Lake to schedule an appointment today.

Are Teeth Truly Transparent?

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Have you ever heard that teeth are sometimes transparent? While teeth can be slightly translucent, see-through teeth may point to a problem that needs to be addressed by your dentist in Willowbrook. Let’s take a closer look.

Transparent teeth may be a sign of a bigger problem

Your teeth are protected by a thin coat of enamel. Healthy enamel is not transparent, even though some food particles or stains may indeed be slightly visible through a tooth in certain areas. When you spot see-through areas on your teeth, you are likely looking at areas where the enamel of your teeth has eroded. Unfortunately, enamel erosion can be quite problematic; this makes your teeth more vulnerable to decay and damage.

Common Causes of Enamel Erosion

Enamel erosion is a common problem among dental patients, even though a lot of patients do not understand what caused the problem. Some of the reasons you may have issues with enamel erosion include:

  • Eating a lot of acidic foods – Several acidic foods can cause enamel erosion, such as citrus, fruit juices, soft drinks, and tea
  • Having problems with acid reflux – Acid reflux, as well as problems that may cause frequent vomiting, leads to stomach acid affecting tooth enamel
  • Dry mouth – Dry mouth can heighten the pH levels in your own saliva, which means your saliva can erode tooth enamel
  • Enamel hypoplasia – Enamel hypoplasia is a lack of minerals when the teeth are in development; this is a genetic issue

What can you do for see-through teeth?

If you are seeing areas where your teeth look transparent, this is an issue to discuss with your dentist. Certain treatments may help with the building up of tooth enamel when the problem begins, but even more important, your teeth will need adequate attention to protect them from decay. Bonding, crowns, and even veneers may be something the dentist recommends.

Talk to a Willowbrook, IL Dentist for Help

In the end, problems with enamel erosion are behind most issues with transparency in teeth, and you should speak with a Willowbrook, IL dentist if you spot problems. Reach out to us at the Dentists of Hinsdale Lake to schedule an appointment.

New Year New Smile with Cosmetic Dentistry

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Do you have resolutions for the new year? How about a New Year’s resolution that is all about giving you new reasons to smile? The beginning of every new year is the perfect time to do something good for yourself, and cosmetic dentistry in Willowbrook, IL may be a good place to start. Check out some of the procedures to consider that can totally transform your smile.

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are custom-made “caps” that are fitted over an existing tooth. Crowns can be installed to protect a tooth that has been extensively damaged, but they also work well to give a tooth a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. For example, if you have a tooth that is worn, misshapen, or discolored, a crown could restore that tooth so it better aligns with the rest of your smile.

Dental Veneers

If you are looking for the quickest way to transform the way your smile looks, dental veneers are an excellent option. These thin pieces are bonded to the front surface of each tooth to give the teeth a more desirable appearance. For instance, if you feel your teeth are too small, veneers can make the teeth look a bit larger. Likewise, if your teeth are discolored or misshapen, veneers can correct the issues. Dental veneers can be made out of composite or porcelain, but either material is a long-term solution for changing the cosmetic appearance of your smile.

Removable and Fixed Bridgework

Bridgework is a dental fixture that specifically works to fill gaps in the smile where teeth may be missing. Bridges can be fixed, which means they are permanently anchored to the surrounding teeth. However, a bridge can also be removable, so that you can take the fixture out for easy cleaning whenever you want. If you are missing a tooth or have gaps in your smile, bridges can be a go-to solution.

Start the New Year with Confidence with the Help of a Willowbrook Dentist

As the new year approaches, consider all the ways a new smile could make the years to come even better. A Willowbrook dentist can help you examine the options that could give you newfound self-confidence with a brand-new smile. Reach out to us at the Dentists of Hinsdale Lake to schedule an appointment.

4 Signs It’s Time to See the Dentist

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How long has it been since your last dental appointment? If you can’t remember, then there’s a good chance that it’s time to see your dentist in Willowbrook, IL.

Your teeth might also be telling you that it’s time to see the dentist – if you know the signs! Below, we’ve listed four signs that it’s time to see your dentist. If you’re experiencing any one of the problems below, it might be time to make an appointment!

1. Your Teeth Are Stained

Teeth become stained over time as they’re exposed to dark-colored foods and drinks, and acidic foods. Some examples of food and drinks that can stain your teeth include:

  • Tea
  • Coffee
  • Tomato sauce
  • Beets
  • Berries
  • Red and white wine

If you consume these types of foods and beverages a lot, then you probably need to see the dentist regularly to prevent your teeth from yellowing.

2. You’re Experiencing Tooth Discomfort

If you’re experiencing tooth pain, then it’s definitely time to see the dentist. Tooth pain could be a sign of an infection, cavity or another problem that needs to be resolved by your dentist. Contact your dentist to make an urgent appointment.

3. It’s Been More Than 6 Months Since Your Last Visit

Most dental professionals recommend that their patients see them every six months – unless that patient needs to see them more frequently because of a condition. If it’s been more than 6 months since your last visit, make an appointment for a dental checkup in Willowbrook IL as soon as possible!

4. You’re Struggling With Bad Breath

Bad breath occurs because of bacteria in your mouth. If you’re struggling with chronic bad breath that won’t go away even when you brush your teeth, this is a sign that you’ve got a buildup of bacteria that could lead to bigger problems.

Bad breath is a sign of a problem and it can also prevent you from enjoying yourself in social situations, so it’s important to get this issue addressed as soon as possible.

Call Dentists of Hinsdale Lake to Make An Appointment

So, is it time for your next dental appointment? What are you waiting for? Make your appointment for a regular dental cleaning today.

Pregnancy and Your Smile: Tips for Moms to Be

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When you find out that you are expecting, you have so many reasons to be both excited and nervous, but your oral health should not be a worry. With a little guidance and some preventive and periodontal care in Willowbrook, your smile can stay healthy throughout your pregnancy. Here are a few things to remember about your oral health during pregnancy.

Expect a Few Natural Changes

A lot changes about your body during pregnancy—hormone levels, blood flow and volume, your dietary intake. These changes can also affect your teeth and gums. You may see a few changes in your mouth during pregnancy, and these changes are not anything to really generate a concern. For example, you may notice that your gums bleed a little easier than usual, which can be blamed on changes in blood flow. Or, you may realize that you have bad breath a bit more than usual.

Be Extra Vigilant About Oral Health

While the changes you may spot in your smile are usually nothing to worry about, it is a good idea to be extra vigilant about your oral health during pregnancy. Be sure you continue to brush and floss twice a day and keep your oral hygiene appointments. With dietary changes and hormonal fluctuations, pregnant women may be a little more prone to tooth decay and gum disease, which you definitely don’t want.

Keep an Eye Out for Problems

In the event you do see something worrisome about your teeth and gums during pregnancy, be sure to talk to a Willowbrook dentist for advice. Sometimes, pregnancy can cause problems with swollen gums, tooth sensitivity, or even sudden changes in the shade of your teeth or position of teeth due to periodontal swelling. These issues tend to subside, but should be monitored just the same throughout your pregnancy.

Protect Your Pregnancy Smile with the Help of a Willowbrook Dentist

With a little extra attention, you will have a perfectly healthy smile to share with your new baby when they make their arrival. If you have concerns about your oral health during pregnancy, a Willowbrook dentist can help you make sure you have nothing to worry about. Reach out to us at the Dentists of Hinsdale Lake to schedule an appointment today.