Dentist in Berwyn | Don’t Let Fear Ruin Your Healthy Smile

Berwyn IL Dentist

Dentist in BerwynHave you ever skipped or rescheduled a dental appointment due to fear or anxiety? Does the idea of having dental treatment fill you with dread? Do you worry about pain, embarrassment, or loss of control every time you sit down in a dental examination chair? You are not alone. And even better, we can help.

Most people experience some level of nervousness when going to the dentist. For about 10-20% of people, though, going to the dentist causes such anxiety that they will avoid going much longer than they should, sometimes leaving problems untreated for years. This can affect not only your oral health, but your overall health and self-esteem as well.

So, how does this happen? In most cases, dental fear is caused by either previous bad dental experiences or by indirect experiences, such as witnessing a parent with dental fear avoiding treatment. Once dental fear begins, it can be self-reinforcing and difficult to overcome.

We can help. The first step in overcoming dental fear and regaining your oral health is to let us know that this fear is an issue for you. There are a variety of techniques we can use to help make your visit comfortable and reassuring and to help you feel safe. Dr. Lares and our whole team are happy to speak with you about your specific concerns and anxieties and help you have more control over your own treatment plan. We will start with short, easy consultation and treatments and progress at the pace that feels right to you. When you feel safe and comfortable, your body is more able to relax during treatments, allowing greater anesthetic effectiveness.

So if dental anxiety has forced you to put off the treatments you need to regain or maintain your healthy smile, give Dr. Lares a call and let us show you why we’re known for compassionate, patient-centric dental care.

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 | 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.

Dentist in Berwyn | We’re Digital!

Berwyn DentistAt Berwyn Dental Connection, we emphasize the importance of visiting our dental office at least twice per year to maintain and achieve optimal oral health. One of the main reasons we encourage you to see us is so that we can detect dental problems before they turn into serious concerns. Preventive dentistry is key to long-term oral health. However, while a physical exam can find noticeable signs of issues, some oral diseases are not visible to the naked eye. This is why we utilize dental x-rays.

Modern technology has reduced radiation levels to miniscule amounts. We utilize advanced, digital x-rays that use 90% less radiation than traditional x-rays. Digital x-rays help to magnify and enhance your teeth for better diagnosis of dental diseases or problems.

We are able to use a number of tools that will allow us to take a closer look at your teeth and surrounding structures with remarkable accuracy.

Once the x-ray is taken, an image of your teeth is placed into an imaging program and projected on a screen instantly for us to view. This helps to assist us in diagnosing issues that would otherwise be undetectable. Dr. Lares can examine small areas of decay between teeth and under existing fillings. Also, digital x-rays can help detect bone loss due to periodontal disease, dental infections and abscesses. Your results are also easily stored for future use or can be sent over to a specialist immediately if needed.

We are proud to bring this modern technology to you. If you have put off dental x-rays because of the risk of radiation or you just didn’t have time for them, we encourage you to come in for an appointment and have digital x-rays taken. We can help you get your oral health back on track!