6 Reasons Why Regular Dental Cleanings Are Important

You’ve probably heard the old adage, “You are what you eat.” Well, the same can be said for your teeth. If you don’t take care of your teeth, they’ll decay and become infected. If that happens, you could end up with a mouth full of cavities, gum disease or other problems related to your oral health. Dental cleanings can help prevent tooth decay, gum disease and some forms of oral cancers. They will also help keep your mouth in shape by preventing infections and keeping plaque off your teeth. Eating right and getting regular dental cleanings can help prevent these issues from happening in the first place.

Here are 6 reasons why regular dental cleanings are important:

1. Prevents gum disease

Gum disease is a common problem that affects more than 90 percent of adults over the age of 25. It’s caused by plaque and tartar buildup on the teeth and gums. Plaque is a substance that forms when bacteria feed off food and drink left on your teeth for too long. Tartar is hardened plaque, which can be removed by brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and flossing at least once daily.

2. Prevents cavities

Cavities are caused by acid from plaque or other substances eating away at the tooth enamel and mineralizing into spaces between teeth called pits or fissures in your enamel. This leads to cavities as well as pain, sensitivity, bad breath and tooth loss over time if left untreated.

3. Prevents gum recession

Gum recession is a serious problem because it can cause loose gums as they pull back from the tooth surface, exposing the root surfaces of your teeth. When you see your dentist every six months, your dentist can perform an oral examination to check for any existing fillings, crowns, bridges, implants, root canals, or prosthetics; make a note of any missing, chipped, broken, or decayed teeth that need attention; check for early signs of throat or mouth cancer; assess your jaw joint for signs of TMD, and more.

4. Reduces the Risk of Gingivitis

Gingivitis is a common oral health problem that occurs when gums become inflamed and swollen due to poor oral hygiene habits like neglecting your gums or brushing too hard with hard bristles on your toothbrush or toothpaste (tartar). Reducing this inflammation helps protect against future periodontal disease.

5. Prevents tooth decay

Teeth are made of hard material, but they’re not impervious to damage. Any injury to the outer enamel layer of your teeth will cause them to become vulnerable to cavities and infections. The most common cause of tooth decay is bacteria that live in the plaque on your teeth. When you eat or drink something containing sugar, bacteria produce acid that attacks the enamel layer and causes decay.

6. Eliminates Plaque Buildup

Plaque is a biofilm that forms on the surfaces of our teeth. It contains plaque bacteria, which can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Plaque also causes bad breath because it collects food particles in between your teeth where they become sticky and hard to remove with brushing or flossing alone. Regular dental cleanings help to remove plaque buildup from between your teeth so that food particles aren’t trapped there anymore!

CONCLUSION

Just remember that if you brush your teeth and floss frequently, you shouldn’t have any problem making regular dental cleanings a part of your routine. However, if you do happen to miss a few, it is also critical that you get them done as soon as possible. By having your mouths professionally cleaned every few months you can potentially prevent damage to your gums and teeth and keep them at optimal health level.

Visit our Berwyn dentist and get started with your regular dental cleanings today.

How To Maintain Oral Hygiene During Holiday Season?

The holiday season is a time for celebration and overindulging. Eating and drinking more than usual can increase the risk of cavities and tooth decay. But when it comes to oral hygiene, it’s essential to remain vigilant! Here are six tips to help you maintain oral hygiene during the busy holiday season.

Tips To Follow During Holidays

1. Avoid Mindless Eating

It’s easy to mindlessly snack on food while spending time with family, watching movies, or playing games. This can quickly add up in terms of sugar intake and put you at risk for cavities. Try not to keep snacks out all the time and instead enjoy them with intention – as part of a meal or snack break – rather than constantly grazing throughout the day.

2. Take Alcoholic Beverages in Moderation

Enjoying alcoholic beverages during the holidays is common, but alcohol can dry out your mouth, reduce saliva production, and increase your chances of developing tooth decay. Alternate between alcoholic drinks and water or non-alcoholic beverages throughout the evening so you don’t dehydrate or compromise your enamel.

3. Brush Your Teeth More Often

With all the sugary treats around this time of year, extra brushing is critical! Try brushing after every meal or rinse your mouth with water if you don’t have access to a toothbrush and toothpaste immediately.

4. Control Eating Too Many Candies

Hard candies are one of many sugary treats consumed around this festive time; however, hard candy can be especially damaging since they stay in contact with teeth longer than other treats that dissolve more quickly in the mouth. If you choose to eat hard candy, try eating just one at a time instead of multiple pieces consecutively throughout the day, increasing their effect on teeth even more drastically over a more extended period!

5. Pack a Go-To Cleaning Kit at Parties

Make sure you always have a go-to cleaning kit handy — such as flossers, travel-sized toothbrushes/toothpaste — so that you can quickly clean up after eating sugary treats at parties or gatherings! This way, you won’t be stuck with any tools if food isn’t available nearby for rinsing afterward!

6. Don’t Use Your Teeth as Present Openers

Wrapping paper has been known to get stuck between teeth which causes plaque build-up and also damages gums! Instead, opt for scissors or another tool that doesn’t involve putting pressure directly onto teeth when opening gifts – this will prevent unnecessary damage from happening this holiday season!

Conclusion

Taking care of your oral health doesn’t have to be a chore — there are plenty of simple steps everyone can take during this busy holiday season to maintain healthy teeth & gums! Remember these tips next time you reach for those extra holiday treats – moderation is key! Booking your post-holiday dental checkup will ensure that any residual problems are addressed before they cause further damage – so schedule an appointment soon!

Does My Child Need Dental Sealants?

What are Dental Sealants?

Dental sealants are a thin protective coating that is applied to the premolar and molar surfaces of the teeth to seal them and protect them from food particles that might cause germs to proliferate and decay.

Who Can Use Dental Sealants?

Children and teens between the ages of six and fourteen are advised to have dental sealants since they are more prone to get cavities.
Adults without tooth decay or fillings might also benefit from dental sealants.

Sealants should be applied as soon as the child’s permanent teeth begin to erupt for the greatest effects. If your primary teeth are worn out, you can use dental sealants to protect them. It’s important to remember that primary teeth serve as placeholders for permanent teeth. If they are lost too soon, diastema and crowding may develop, necessitating the use of braces and other orthodontic procedures.

How Do They Work?

Brushing and flossing aren’t always sufficient. Even if you practice good oral care, you may overlook the rear teeth, which are more susceptible to bacterial development and cavities. These dental sealants not only protect your teeth but also help to prevent bacteria from growing and keep the tooth structure in good shape.

Tooth sealants, according to a study, can prevent up to 80% of dental cavities in the first two years following application.

How Long Do the Dental Sealants Last?

Dental sealants, according to the CDC, can last up to nine years, but their effectiveness is dependent on how they are placed. If not done appropriately, dental sealants have a reduced likelihood of success. As a result, you should go to a board-certified dental facility like Berwyn Dental Connection. Our dentist will keep an eye on your sealants to make sure they don’t start to wear off.

What Happens If My Child Develops Cavities?

Tooth extraction is used to pull impacted, damaged, or rotting teeth. Dental sealants protect against cavities, but if your kid develops tooth decay, there are numerous restoration procedures available. Remember that permanent teeth do not regrow and will need to be replaced with dental implants or other orthodontic treatments if you lose them.

The diseased pulp is removed during a root canal surgery, which prevents the infection from spreading to the surrounding tissues. The jawbone structure might be permanently altered by these restorative dental procedures. Furthermore, the treatments need ongoing maintenance, which may be costly.

Are There Any Complications?

Dental sealants are generally harmless, although they might trigger allergic responses in certain people. Furthermore, three hours after application, the sealants may raise salivary BPA or Bisphenol A levels.
Plastic is the most popular dental sealant material, and it comprises Bisphenol A, a synthetic resin.

Thyroid function, the central nervous system, and the immunological system have all been linked to BPA. Yes, dental sealants can raise BPA levels in the saliva. It’s not a cause for concern, though, because BPA levels return to normal after 24 hours and have no negative consequences. Other dental sealant materials are available, however, they may not be as effective.

Dental Sealant Application?

The application of plastic coatings to the teeth takes only a few minutes. The dentist will clean your teeth and apply an acid solution to the tooth surface after examining your dental health. To enable the sealant to adhere to the tooth, this solution hardens and roughens the enamel. The dental sealant will then be repaired.

How Much Do Dental Sealants Cost?

The average cost of dental sealants is $60 per tooth. We do, however, accept a variety of adult and kid insurance coverage. When you’re ready to receive the sealants, give us a call and we’ll work out a payment plan for you.

Take Away

Is it necessary for your child to have dental sealants? Yes. Children and teens, as previously said, are prone to tooth deterioration. Brushing and flossing are important, but they may not be enough to support their jaw and permanent teeth as they grow.

Book an appointment with Berwyn Dental Connection, if you want to get dental sealants for children in Berwyn, IL. Our dentist will also go through the various dental procedures that are appropriate for you and your child.

Dentist in Berwyn | Don’t Miss Your Screening

Oral cancer does not discriminate. It affects those of all ages, genders and races. Smokers do develop oral cancers at higher rates than non-smokers. However, this does not absolve the rest of the population from being at risk, as well.

It’s incredibly important to keep to your recommended schedule of oral health examinations. By visiting your general dentist at least twice per year, it is much more likely that our dental team will be able to identify potentially cancerous lesions in early stages. As you may know, the key to survival of most forms of cancer is early detection. Oral cancers are treatable, especially if caught before displaying obvious signs. The best results occur when oral cancer is identified and treated during early stages.

If your general dentist identifies a lesion that appears to be irregular, he or she may refer you to our team. We’ll recommend the next steps. Once pathology has been identified, we can proceed with treatment if necessary.

We will complete a biopsy to confirm whether a lesion is cancerous. It is not possible to confirm an oral cancer diagnosis without a biopsy. For this reason, try to refrain from making assumptions until we have confirmed your diagnosis. If it’s been more than 6 months since your last appointment or if you have noticed a lesion, bump or irregular patch of skin that doesn’t heal within a few days, consider an oral cancer screening by your general dentist. Know that your dentist will provide you with advice and may refer you to our team for a closer look.

If you have considered skipping the recommended dental visits that provide your first line of defense against oral cancers, please reconsider. It could save your life.

Dentist Berwyn IL | 3 Simple Ways to Reduce Tooth Decay

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A happy smile is a healthy smile! There are a number of steps you can take to keep your smile healthy by reducing your risk of developing tooth decay. Here are a few suggestions from our team.

Ways To Reduce Tooth Decay

Eat a Tooth Friendly Diet

Reduce the amount of sugars and carbohydrates in your diet. Decay-causing bacteria in the mouth feed on these substances.

We suggest you reduce grains, beans, seeds, and nuts in your diet when possible. These foods can lead to demineralization of your teeth and bones due to their acidic content. Consider adding foods high in minerals and vitamins to your diets such as apples, leafy greens, celery, or carrots.

Brush, Floss, Rinse, Repeat

Routine brushing at least twice a day followed by flossing and a mouth rinse is the optimal at-home dental care routine. Brush for at least two minutes in the morning and at night. Use a soft-bristle toothbrush that is small enough to reach every tooth.

Use Dental Sealants

Children often get dental sealants to protect the hard-to-reach teeth in the back of their mouths. However, dental sealants can benefit adults and those who have a higher risk of decay. Dental sealants are a layer of plastic-like material that coats the top surface of the tooth. Sealants protect the crevices in the tooth where bacteria reside and minimize exposure of the tooth to harmful acids and sugars that wear down enamel.

When left untreated, tooth decay can cause discomfort and spread to other healthy teeth. You can combat tooth decay by reducing sugars and acids in your diet and brushing and flossing regularly. For some patients, dental sealants might be a solution.

Don’t forget to schedule your next visit to our office. Our team can provide professional cleaning and check for signs of tooth decay.

Berwyn, IL Dentist | Daily Flossing

We’ve all been told at least once in our life that flossing daily is crucial. Here are four reasons why flossing may be beneficial for your oral health routine:

4 Reasons To Floss Everyday

1.Preventative care-

Food and bacteria buildup between your teeth is unavoidable. Over time, these bacterial colonies lead to tooth decay and the destruction of your dental health. Flossing helps remove food and bacteria from areas that your toothbrush can’t reach.

2.Helps prevent gingivitis and gum disease-

Your teeth aren’t the only part of your mouth that needs attention. Many people take care of their teeth but ignore their gums. Researchers at the New York University College of Dentistry explain that people who floss regularly experience much lower instances of periodontal pathogens, gum bleeding, and decay-causing bacteria in contrast with people who do not floss.

3.Protects your smile-

Flossing does more than just prevent cavities—it also preserves the bones that support your teeth. By preserving the height of that bony structure as well as a healthy smile, you’re maintaining a healthy and youthful appearance that will benefit you for years to come.

4.Gives you better overall health-

Gum disease doesn’t just affect your mouth and jaw. It has also been linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes and even respiratory diseases. Flossing daily is more than just an optimal habit—it can help keep you healthy as you age.

We are pleased to offer a variety of oral health solutions to keep your smile healthy. We are also able to customize a health plan tailored to your specific needs. Book your appointment with our dental team today.

6 Harmful Habits That Affect Your Teeth

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Nearly everyone has at least one habit that they wish they could break. Did you know that some of them can affect your oral health? Here are a few common habits and tips for how to break them.

6 Habits That Affect Your Dental Health

1.Nail Biting

Why it’s harmful: Your dental health may suffer from nail biting by possibly chipping your teeth or impacting your tooth. You place pressure on your jaw when you leave it in a protruding position for long periods of time. You could also tear or damage your gums.

The solution: Some patients find it helpful to wear a mouth guard to deter form nail biting. Other ways to reduce nail biting include using therapy techniques, reducing stress, or applying bitter tasting nail polish.

2.Brushing Too Hard

Why it’s harmful: It’s best to brush your teeth for two minutes at least twice a day. Make sure to not brush too hard since this can lead to damage to the teeth and gum irritation. When you brush too hard, you risk gum recession and not cleaning your teeth efficiently.

The solution: Instead of brushing hard, use a soft toothbrush and apply a proper pressure. Let your toothbrush bristles touch your gums at a 45 degree angle and reduce the force of your brush on your gums.

3.Grinding and Clenching

Why it’s harmful: This can chip or crack your teeth as well as cause muscle tenderness and joint pain. You may also experience a painful sensation when chewing or inability to open your mouth wide

The solution: Stay aware of your teeth grinding and clenching and use relaxation exercises to keep from doing both. A mouth guard can also help protect you from grinding your teeth while you sleep. This will reduce any tooth pain, or muscle soreness and give you a better sleep. Our dentist can provide recommendations for how to combat teeth grinding.

4.Chewing Ice Cubes

Why it’s harmful: Tooth enamel and ice are both crystals. When you push two crystals against each other, it can cause one to break. This may be the ice and sometimes it may be the tooth.

The solution: Try drinking beverages without ice or use a straw instead.

5.Constant Snacking

Why it’s harmful: If your diet consists heavily of sugary foods and drinks, you are at a higher risk of forming cavities. The cavity-causing bacteria feast on leftover food and produces acid that attacks the outer shell of your teeth.

The solution: To reduce snacking, eat balanced meals so that you can feel fuller, longer. You should avoid sugary foods when snacking. If you are tempted to eat the occasional sugary snack, just make sure to drink a glass of water after to wash away the leftover food.

6.Using Your Teeth as a Tool

Why it’s harmful: Using your teeth as a tool to hold items, open bottles, cut through thread, or other functions can put you at risk for chipped or broken teeth or jaw injuries.

The solution: Your teeth should never be used to hold or open items or to cut things when you don’t have scissors at your disposal. Look for your scissors or find someone that can give you a hand. Your mouth will thank you for it and you’ll be saving yourself from potentially costly and painful dental complications.

Contact our office to schedule your next dental appointment.