Habits that Wreck Your Teeth: Cough Drops

Just because cough drops are sold in the medicine aisle doesn't mean they’re healthy. Most are loaded with sugar. So after soothing your throat with a lozenge, be sure to brush well. Whether the sugar comes from a cough drop or a hard candy, it reacts with the sticky plaque that coats your teeth. Then bacteria in the plaque convert the sugar into an acid that eats away at tooth enamel. Hello, cavities.
 
Above article from: webmd.com/oral-health

Dentists Romeoville IL
Dental Office
Romeoville Dental Center
620 Town Hall Drive Romeoville IL 60446
Tel: (815) 886-0875

Gum Disease Treatment Romeoville IL

Gum Disease is the Primary Reason for Tooth Loss
Most people seem to think that the main reason for tooth loss is decay. But it is periodontal disease (infected gums). Often times, it is not treated until it has reached advanced stages, as signs may not be present. Symptoms that do occur may be bleeding gums while brushing or flossing and loose teeth. If previously you have been told you need gum surgery, let us assess the state of your gums, as it is possible we can reverse the infection through nonsurgical methods.

Other Serious Health Problems May Result from
Gum Disease
It has been estimated by the American Dental Association that most Americans have periodontal disease at some level. Dentists regard this problem as a health epidemic. From the findings of recent medical research, it has been proven there is a link between gum disease and stroke, diabetes, and heart disease. The American Academy of Periodontology confirms that gum infections add to the development of serious health afflictions with the heart, diabetes, stroke, or respiratory ailments. The bacteria from the gums travels throughout the body in the bloodstream, affecting and/or worsening life-threatening diseases.

Good News in Gum Disease Treatment
If gum disease is treated before it reaches an advanced stage, there are nonsurgical treatments that will stop its continuation and allow the gum tissue to heal. Together with improved hygiene efforts by the patient, nonsurgical methods will destroy the bacteria and help in preventing its re-occurrence. It is important to seek treatment at the first signs of this problem, as once the infection is in advanced stages, the treatment will be surgery. Most dental insurance provides coverage for both nonsurgical and surgical procedures. 

Dental Office
Romeoville Dental Center
620 Town Hall Drive Romeoville IL 60446
Tel: (815) 886-0875

Habits That Wreck Your Teeth - Tongue Piercings

Tongue piercings may be trendy, but biting down on the metal stud can crack a tooth. Lip piercings pose a similar risk. And when metal rubs against the gums, it can cause gum damage that may lead to tooth loss. The mouth is also a haven for bacteria, so piercings raise the risk of infections and sores. Bottom line, discuss the health risks with your dentist first.

Above article from: webmd.com/oral-health

Dentists Romeoville IL
Dental Office
Romeoville Dental Center
620 Town Hall Drive Romeoville IL 60446
Tel: (815) 886-0875

Habits That Wreck Your Teeth - Playing Sports With No Mouth Guard

Whether you play football, hockey, or any other contact sport, don't get in the game without a mouth guard. This is a piece of molded plastic that protects the upper row of teeth. Without it, your teeth could get chipped or even knocked out when the action gets rough. Self-fitting mouth guards may be purchased at a store, or you can have one custom made by your dentist.

Above article from: webmd.com/oral-health

Dentists Romeoville IL
Dental Office
Romeoville Dental Center
620 Town Hall Drive Romeoville IL 60446
Tel: (815) 886-0875

Habits That Wreck Your Teeth - Chewing on Ice

It’s natural and sugar free, so you might think ice is harmless. But munching on hard, frozen cubes can chip or even crack your teeth. And if your mindless chomping irritates the soft tissue inside a tooth, regular toothaches may follow. Hot foods and cold foods may trigger quick, sharp jabs of pain or a lingering toothache. Next time you get the urge for ice, chew some sugarless gum instead.

Above article from: webmd.com/oral-health

Dentists Romeoville IL
Dental Office
Romeoville Dental Center
620 Town Hall Drive Romeoville IL 60446
Tel: (815) 886-0875

Oral Warning Signs Can Indicate Serious Medical Conditions

Regular dental exams not only help to decrease a patient's risk of oral diseases, such as cavities and periodontal (gum) disease, but they may also help to diagnose other, sometimes life-threatening, medical conditions.

 

Dentists are able to assess a patient's overall oral health and may recognize symptoms of serious diseases, including diabetes, cancer, and eating disorders, which often manifest as signs and symptoms inside of the mouth. Click here to learn more.

Above article from KnowYourTeeth.com

Dentists Romeoville IL
Dental Office
Romeoville Dental Center
620 Town Hall Drive Romeoville IL 60446
Tel: (815) 886-0875

Halloween Tips

Halloween is around the corner, which for most children means bags of free candy and a

chance to build up the stockpile of sweets for the winter. Being one of the most fun times of the year for families, Halloween can also present parents with a variety of health and safety challenges.

The American Dental Association, America's premier source of oral health information, has prepared a list of 10 suggestions to help parents maintain good oral health for their children around the Halloween holiday and throughout the year.

1. Consume Halloween candy and other sugary foods with meals.

      Saliva production increases during meals and helps neutralize acids produced by bacteria in   your mouth and helps rinse away food particles.

      2. Avoid hard candy and other sweets that stay in your mouth for a long time.

      Besides how often you snack, the length of time food is in your mouth plays a role in tooth decay. Unless it is a sugar-free product, candies that stay in the mouth for a long period of time subject teeth to prolonged acid attack, increasing the risk for tooth decay.           

        3. Avoid sticky candies that cling to your teeth.

      The stickier candies, like taffy and gummy bears, take longer to get washed away by saliva, increasing the risk for tooth decay. 

Click here to read more tips.

Above article from: ada.org

Dentists Romeoville IL
Dental Office
Romeoville Dental Center
620 Town Hall Drive Romeoville IL 60446
Tel: (815) 886-0875