5 Fall Dental Care Tips  

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The arrival of fall brings a lot of changes to the air and the foods we consume. Halloween and other holidays can lead to consumption of sugar, and that can be bad for your teeth.

There are many things you can do to take care of your teeth at this time of year. Drinking water, eating the right foods, seeing the dentist in Willowbrook IL and replacing your toothbrush can all help you maintain good oral hygiene at this time of year.

Stay Hydrated

Saliva coats your teeth and moistens your mouth while also flushing out bacteria. Saliva also helps prevent bad breath and gum disease.

Drinking plenty of water helps your body produce saliva. In most communities, tap water also contains fluoride that strengthens your tooth enamel.

Drink water throughout the day. How much water? About 16 cups for men and 12 cups for women, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Focus on a Healthy Diet

Take care of your teeth by eating healthy meals. Some of the best foods for your teeth include calcium-rich foods like cheese and milk, crunchy vegetables like celery and carrots, and leafy greens. These foods can help strengthen your tooth enamel, and some foods (like crunchy vegetables) actually help clean your teeth as you chew.

Buy a New Toothbrush

Toothbrushes wear out over time, and when that happens, they stop working as well as they should. Replacing your toothbrush every three months helps ensure that your teeth are being properly cleaned. If you have the budget for it, try buying an electric toothbrush.

Electric toothbrushes have a special oscillating motion that breaks up food particles and cleans teeth extra well. Most electric toothbrushes also have a built-in timer to help users brush their teeth for the recommended 2 minutes.

Know the Signs of Dental Trouble

Watch for symptoms of dental problems and make an appointment with your dentist as soon as you notice them.

  • Tooth pain
  • Swelling around the tooth
  • Swollen, bleeding gums
  • Unexplained, persistent bad breath
  • Loose permanent teeth

Schedule a Dental Cleaning

This time of year is hard on your teeth. Between holidays and Halloween, you might be consuming a lot of extra sugar. Get ahead of the game! Schedule a dental cleaning in Willowbrook, IL.

 

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.

3 Reasons to Schedule a Dental Appointment After the Holidays

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The holidays are here! Are you thinking about scheduling an appointment for a dental checkup in Willowbrook IL when the holidays are over? If not, you should be! There are many reasons that you might want to see the dentist when the holidays are over. Below, we’ve listed a few important reasons to see the dentist after the holidays.

1. Wine and Coffee Stain Teeth

Do you drink a lot of coffee and wine at the holidays? So do a lot of people. These drinks can stain your teeth, turning them a yellow-ish or even gray-ish color. Wine and coffee aren’t the only staining foods and drinks that people consume at this time of year.

Cranberry sauce, hot tea, gravy, saucy lasagna – all of these foods and drinks can stain your teeth. When the holidays are over, you might benefit from teeth whitening from your dentist in Willowbrook IL.

2. Sugary Food Intake Goes Up Around Holidays

Sugary food is bad for your teeth – but around the holidays, just about everyone eats sugary foods. Cookies are bad enough, but do you find yourself chewing on candy canes? Hard candies like this have a way of sticking to tooth enamel, and that can cause cavities and tooth decay.

One more food to worry about is pecan pie! Anything that’s sticky and chewy and also high in sugar content is bad for your teeth. Making your dentist appointment right after the holidays can help ensure that your teeth get cleaned and tooth decay is stopped in its tracks before it becomes serious.

3. Tooth Grinding from Stress Can Damage Teeth

A lot of people get stressed over the holidays, and that causes tooth grinding. Tooth grinding can cause your teeth to wear down and even become cracked. If your gums are unhealthy or if the bone holding your teeth in place has deteriorated, grinding your teeth could even cause your teeth to become loose.

Your dentist can identify the signs that you’re grinding your teeth at night, and can prescribe a mouth guard to help. See the dentist after the holidays get to get help, and keep your teeth protected. For more information about making a dental appointment after the holidays, call Dentists of Hinsdale Lake today.

Who Should Have an Oral Cancer Screening?

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While oral cancer may not be the most common form of cancer diagnosed in the United States, this type of cancer does account for around three percent of every case diagnosed within a year. Therefore, oral cancer screenings in Willowbrook, IL are an important step in your overall preventive health plan. One thing patients often wrestle with is whether they should be screened themselves. Here is a closer look at who should be screened, when, and why.

Adults Over the Age of 20

Beyond the age of 20, you should be screened for oral cancer about every three years when you visit the dentist. Your dentist will make sure you get the proper screening every three years as recommended. While cancer of the mouth at this age is considered rare, some young adults can be more at risk than others.

Adults Over the Age of 40

By the time a patient reaches the age of 40, their risks of oral cancer development do grow. Therefore, it is important for an oral cancer screening to be performed every year right along with your dental checkup. If you are over the age of 40 and not sure if your dentist is doing a screening, be sure to bring up the topic at your next dental exam.

All Patients Who Are at Risk of Oral Cancer

Some patients are naturally more at risk for oral cancer regardless of their actual age. These patients should be screened every year. You may be at higher risk of oral cancer if:

  • You use tobacco (regular or smokeless)
  • You regularly consume alcohol
  • You have been diagnosed with human papillomavirus (HPV)
  • You have a family history of cancer
  • You have been diagnosed with oral cancer in the past

Looking for an Oral Cancer Screening in Willowbrook?

Even though any kind of cancer can be scary, oral cancer is considered highly treatable as long as the condition is diagnosed early. If you believe you are at risk for oral cancer or you know it has been a while since you have been screened, it may be time to talk to a Willowbrook dentist for advice. Reach out to us at Dentists of Hinsdale Lake to schedule an appointment.

Best Things You Can Do to Prevent Cavities

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Cavities are caused when a part of your mouth becomes permanently damaged and a hole develops in the tooth enamel. Cavities are caused by a combination of factors including poor dental hygiene or cleaning practices, bacteria in the mouth and habits like sipping sugary drinks. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to prevent cavities in Willowbrook, IL.

Brush with Fluoride

Fluoride helps strengthen your teeth and prevent cavities. Do you know if your toothpaste includes fluoride? If it doesn’t, then you probably need to switch toothpastes.

If you’re looking for additional ways to incorporate fluoride into your oral hygiene routine, buy a fluoride mouthwash from the pharmacy the next time you go. Follow the instructions on the bottle to avoid over-using the mouthwash.

Drink Water from the Tap

Most communities add fluoride to their tap water to help improve their population’s oral hygiene. Water is good for you – much better for you than sugary drinks like soda. If you’re not in the habit of drinking water from the tap, now is the time to start!

Maintain a Healthy Oral Hygiene Routine

Brush your teeth twice per day: once in the morning and once at night. If your teeth feel yucky in the middle of the day, feel free to brush your teeth an extra time! Keep an extra toothbrush and toothpaste at work or in your purse for just such an occasion.

Floss at least once daily, and again after events like a barbecue, when you might have eaten a lot of stringy foods. Talk to your dentist in Willowbrook, IL to find out whether you’re brushing and flossing the right way.

See the Dentist Regularly

One of the best things you can do to avoid cavities is to get regular dental checkups in Willowbrook, IL. Seeing the dentist regularly will help you determine whether you’re at risk for poor dental health, and will also help you decide when you need to make a change to your oral hygiene routine. For more information or to schedule your next dental appointment, call Dentists of Hinsdale Lake to make 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.

What Are Dental Sealants?

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If one thing seems inevitable, it is your child getting cavities. However, if dental sealants in Willowbrook are applied to their teeth at an early age, cavities may be something your child never experiences. If you’ve never heard of dental sealants but now want to know what they are and why they are so important to your child’s oral health, here are some fascinating facts to consider.

What are Dental Sealants in Willowbrook?

Used by dentists since the 1960s, dental sealants are made of clear plastic and are brushed onto the chewing surface of a child’s molars to prevent plaque and bacteria from accumulating in the crevices of these teeth. As a result, cavities are unable to form.

When Should My Child Get Dental Sealants?

To have the best chance of helping your child avoid getting cavities, it is best if they receive dental sealants by age six, which is when their adult molars erupt. However, dental sealants can be applied to the teeth of older children as well, and can offer excellent levels of protection.

Can Adults Get Dental Sealants?

While used primarily on children, adults may also be good candidates for dental sealants. If you have ongoing problems with cavities or similar problems, dental sealants may be a viable treatment option. Note that any outstanding dental issues should be taken care of first.

Do They Really Stop Cavities?

If you are wondering whether or not dental sealants really do help in reducing cavities, consider the following data. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, children who receive dental sealants see their number of cavities reduced by 86 percent within the first year, and nearly 60 percent after four years.

Is the Process Painful?

Absolutely not. Since dental sealants are brushed onto teeth, no pain or discomfort is associated with this procedure, making it an attractive treatment option for both kids and adults who dislike dental visits.

How Long Do They Last?

Once applied, dental sealants should last for many years, so long as the child or adult brushes and flosses on a regular basis.

Simple to apply, affordable, and lasting for years, dental sealants in Willowbrook are a treatment option you may want to discuss with your dentist. Contact us today to learn more about dental sealants.

 

Dental Fluoride Treatments – Common Patient FAQs

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Fluoride has been used for decades to help encourage healthier smiles, and these treatments are offered by us here at the Dentists of Hinsdale Lake. Here is a look at a few of the most common questions patients have about fluoride treatment.

Why are fluoride treatments beneficial?

Your mouth is teeming with bacteria, even if you brush and floss on a regular basis. While the majority of the bacteria in your mouth has a job to do, such as breaking down your food, bad bacteria can be present as well. Unfortunately harmful oral bacteria can pose risks to your smile. These bacteria can break down the hard, protective enamel of your teeth over time. Fluoride works by helping to remineralize your teeth so the enamel hardens and harmful bacteria cannot break through so easily.

Can adults get fluoride treatments too?

Even though most people assume that children are only able to get fluoride treatments, people of any age can have the treatment performed on their teeth. The primary reason the treatments are most common with pediatric dental patients is the fact that children can be more prone to cavities. Nevertheless, some adults can have similar concerns and just about everyone can benefit from treatments that strengthen the enamel of their teeth. A few medical conditions that may mean an adult may need to consider fluoride treatment include:

  • Eating disorder or poor dietary choices
  • Drug or alcohol use
  • Decreased saliva production

Is fluoride treatment safe?

Fluoride treatment is considered to be safe when done by a professional. Fluoride poisoning can only occur if someone utilizes or ingests too much fluoride during a treatment, which would be a rarity. In the event someone is exposed to too much fluoride, the overexposure can lead to:

  • Bone density problems
  • White spots on adult teeth
  • Pitting of dental enamel

With these risks in mind, it is easy to see why fluoride treatments should only be entrusted to a qualified professional.

Find Fluoride Treatments in Willowbrook, IL

When you want to do something to contribute to preventative care, fluoride treatments are a quick and easy solution. The treatment can be done at your Willowbrook dentist during a general visit and only takes a few extra minutes. If you would like to know more about fluoride treatment or other general dental care, reach out to us at the Dentists of Hinsdale Lake to discuss options or schedule an appointment.

Burning Mouth Syndrome – What Is It, How Is It Treated, and More  

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Burning, itching, redness, and discomfort in your mouth is never a good sign. However, these kinds of symptoms are usually related to some kind of short-term exposure to an irritant that landed in your sensitive mouth. If you have prolonged issues with symptoms such as these, you could have an uncommon condition referred to as burning mouth syndrome. What is burning mouth syndrome, what causes it, and can it be treated? Let’s take a closer look.

Burning Mouth Syndrome Explained

Burning mouth syndrome is an ongoing issue with certain levels of discomfort in your mouth. Some would explain that the sensation is similar to what happens when you drink a beverage that is too hot. Some other symptoms can include:

  • Tingling or numbness of the tongue
  • Difficulty with swallowing
  • Sore throat
  • Experiencing a bad taste in your mouth, such as a metal taste
  • Burning of gums, cheeks, and throat
  • Dry mouth
  • Sensitivity to certain types of food, such as salty food

What Causes Burning Mouth Syndrome

Burning mouth syndrome can have a number of underlying causes, some of which may have seemingly little to do with your mouth at all. Some common issues to blame include:

  • Acid reflux
  • Hormonal changes
  • Allergic reaction to oral appliances or treatments, such as dentures
  • Lack of certain vitamins
  • Thrush
  • Allergic reaction to oral hygiene products

How Burning Mouth Syndrome Is Treated

The dentist may initially recommend certain tests to determine the root cause of the problem. Treatment will be dependent upon what the suspected cause may be. For example, if you are having an allergic reaction to oral hygiene products, the dentist may simply recommend different products. If the issue is not related to dental care or oral health, the dentist may recommend that you seek care from your primary physician.

Find a Willowbrook, IL Dentist to Help

If you have been dealing with issues of discomfort in your mouth, it is critical that you have a medical professional take a look. While burning mouth syndrome may not always be to blame, making sure you don’t have something serious affecting your oral health is important. Reach out to us at the Dentists of Hinsdale Lake to schedule an appointment today.