Tag: Dentist Berwyn IL

Dentist in Berwyn | Do You Brush Your Teeth Too Much?

Dentist in Berwyn, IL

dentist BerwynBrushing your teeth is a vital step in maintaining good oral health. However, is there such a thing as over-brushing?

The American Dental Association recommends you brush your teeth for 2 minutes, twice a day. People sometimes brush after every meal, or brush midday to freshen up. Although this is not always a bad thing, when you start brushing too much or for too long, you can ultimately damage your teeth.

Brushing more than three times a day, and for longer than 2 minutes, can sometimes lead to your tooth enamel wearing down as well as cause damage to your gums. Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body and helps fight against tooth decay. Over-brushing can damage this shield and cause teeth to become sensitive and prone to cavities.

Practicing proper oral hygiene care at home is an important part of your overall oral health. However, being aware of how much is too much is equally important in keeping your smile healthy.

Using the right kind of toothbrush helps prevent unnecessary enamel erosion. It is recommended you use a toothbrush with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. The Seal of Acceptance shows that:

All of the toothbrush components are safe for use in the mouth.
Bristles are free of sharp or jagged edges (a soft-bristled toothbrush helps prevent the wearing down of enamel).
The toothbrush can be used to provide a significant decrease in mild gum disease and plaque.
Scheduling regular professional cleanings and exams with our dentist will keep your mouth healthy.

Contact our office today to schedule a cleaning and comprehensive exam with our dentist.

Dentist in Berwyn | Celebrate National Children’s Dental Health Month With Us!

Dentist in Berwyn, IL

dentist berwynFebruary is National Children’s Dental Health Month!  Developing good oral hygiene habits and regular dental check-ups can be the start of a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums for children.

According to the National Institutes of Health, tooth decay is the most common chronic childhood disease.  It is 5 times more common than asthma and 7 times more common than hay fever.  Each year, dental-related illnesses result in children missing more than 51 million hours of school.  When dental diseases in children are left untreated, the pain and suffering can result in problems with eating, speaking and distract attention away from learning.

The key to good oral health in children begins at home.  The American Dental Association recommends the following:

  • Brush for 2 minutes twice each day
  • Floss daily to clean the spaces between teeth
  • Eat healthy meals and snacks
  • Visit the dentist regularly

We have the experience and qualifications to care for your child’s teeth, gums and mouth throughout various stages of childhood.  With regular check-ups and cleanings, we can ensure healthy and happy smiles. It is recommended for all patients to schedule a routine six-month check-up exam.

Our dentist will screen your child’s mouth for tooth decay and gum disease.  During your child’s dental cleaning, we will gently remove any buildup of plaque or tartar.  To help your child maintain his or her healthy mouth, we may also recommend sealants and fluoride treatments.

Please contact our office to schedule your child’s next dental appointment.

Dentist in Berwyn | Can Exercise Damage Your Teeth?

Dentist in Berwyn, IL

Berwyn DentistExercise is important to good health, but can it have a detrimental effect on our teeth? Studies have shown that exercise and fitness habits can result in an increase in dental decay and tooth erosion. Exercise can impact our oral health in many ways, including:

Decreased Saliva Flow: Breathing heavily through the mouth during exercise can result in a reduction in saliva and cause the mouth to dry out. Saliva is filled with minerals that work to fight bacteria, protect tooth enamel, and prevent decay. To prevent decay caused by a dry mouth, learn to breathe through the nose during exercise and hydrate with water before, during, and after your workout. You can also brush your teeth before you exercise to reduce the presence of bacteria and plaque.

Jaw Clenching: Athletes often clench their jaw when straining to lift weights. This pressure can result in wear and even cracked teeth. To protect teeth from the effects of clenching, consider using a mouth guard. These can be purchase at most drugstores or sporting goods stores or our dentist can make a custom fitted mouth guard for you.

Consuming Sports Drinks: Studies have shown that sugary sports drinks are up to 30 times more erosive to the teeth than water. The citric acid they contain can soften the tooth enamel so much that even brushing can cause tooth damage. Taking frequent, small sips of sugary liquids increases the chance of tooth decay. Avoiding the use of sports drinks and hydrating with water instead can prevent these negative effects. If you feel you must use sports drinks, don’t drink small amounts over an extended period of time, rinse your mouth with water afterwards, and avoid brushing immediately after consuming.

Contact our office to schedule your next preventative dental appointment.

Dentist in Berwyn | Why Regular Dental Care Now Can Save You Big Later

Proper at-home dental care and regular preventive dental visits can help you save money! See below for interesting information comparing the costs of dental care and see how the average person’s at-home care differs from the American Dental Association recommendations.

Dentist in Berwyn

Dentist in Berwyn | New Year, New You!

Dentist in Berwyn IL

Many of us spend the majority of our lives giving to others, caring for others and providing for others. This can be a very rewarding way to live.

However, at times it can leave you wondering when there will be time for me.

Many times, we put off prioritizing our own health and happiness, and this becomes our way of life.

We want to encourage you to make a resolution this year – involving you. It’s important to make your health and self-esteem a priority for a long and happy life.

If you’ve been considering cosmetic or restorative dentistry for years, but for one reason or another have not made your own wants and needs a priority…

Now is the time!

Contact us for a consultation or share this message with a friend who needs a reminder to make time for his or herself.