Tag: Dentist in Berwyn

What Are Some Homemade Remedies For Dental Erosion?

Dental Erosion and Its Signs 

Dental erosion can be defined as a process that causes significant loss of enamel of your teeth. Many factors can be behind this harmful procedure. The people whose enamel is damaged due to this process often complain about feeling pain while eating hot or cold food or drinks. But how will you know whether your enamel is eroded? There are certain signs of dental or enamel erosion:

  • Firstly, the early signs of dental erosion will give your teeth a rounded look.
  • Secondly, there will be stabbing pain in your teeth as they will become sensitive to variations in the temperature.
  • Thirdly, there will be changes in the appearance of your teeth. Your front teeth will start to look transparent.
  • Fourthly, there will be discoloration in your teeth due to the loss of the out layer of your enamel.

How Is It Caused? 

Many causes can bring about the process of tooth erosion. The bad habit of having large amounts of acidic food and drink without brushing your teeth properly increases your chances of suffering from this condition. Additionally, there are other causes of dental erosion:

  • Consuming a lot of starchy foods like loaves of bread.
  • Eating a lot of citrus fruits like oranges and having fruit juices that contain high amounts of citric acid.
  • Having a lot of soda and soft drinks
  • Involuntary grinding of teeth at night
  • Problems in saliva content inside your mouth.
  • Regular use of medications like aspirin and antihistamines.
  • Having eating disorders like Bulimia causes digestive problems. It results in the exposure of your teeth to stomach acid. 

Homemade Remedies for Dental Erosion

Thankfully, dental erosion can be prevented by ensuring that your teeth are not being exposed to acids daily. Some homemade remedies can also help you in dealing with dental erosion:

  • Eat wholesome and nutritious foods that contain mild to moderate levels of acid.
  • Try to eat fruits at mealtimes rather than between your meals.
  • Avoid chewable vitamin C tablets that have large amounts of acid.
  • Drink only fluoridated water instead of soda.
  • Rinse your mouth with sodium bicarbonate which is diluted with water.
  • Consume a lot of dairy products.
  • Make a habit of using a brush with soft bristles.
  • Use only fluoridated toothpaste.
  • Ask your dentist to give you a dental splint if you grind your teeth at night.

If dental or enamel erosion is left untreated, it can lead to substantial loss of the tooth or teeth surface. An experienced dentist can provide long-term solutions if you are suffering from this condition.

We hope that our blog has helped you to gain a clear understanding of homemade remedies that can be used for treating dental erosion. If you are looking for the best dentist in Berwyn, IL, then please visit us at Berwyn Dental Connection. Our team of dental professionals provides the best preventive dental care for their patients.

What Are The Benefits Of Apicoectomy?

Most people have heard about popular endodontic surgeries. Root canals and bone grafting have become fairly common nowadays. However, the procedure named Apicoectomy is an uncommon treatment that is performed by expert dental surgeons. For many patients, the root canal fails to remove the infection in the pulp of their teeth. This is when the dentist considers performing this procedure. It does not mean that anybody can be a candidate for this procedure. As this is an invasive and complicated treatment, a patient has to go through various formalities with his or her dentist.

There are also other alternatives to this treatment. It is up to your dentist to decide the best possible solution for your dental condition. 

The Benefits of Apicoectomy

Now let us try to understand what Apicoectomy is and why it is done. A root-end surgery, which is also known as Apicoectomy, is a surgical procedure where the tip of the infected root of a tooth, is taken out and discarded. The cavity in the root end is then filled with biocompatible materials. Occasionally, a blocked or twisted canal may hinder the removal of the diseased root during the root canal treatment. This may render the treatment to be unsuccessful and an additional procedure is needed which is called an Apicoectomy. The second step of this procedure is the filling and sealing of the root canal, which is known as a Retrofilling Procedure. 

Yes, this procedure is not so complex like it sounds. However, if the patient refuses to undergo this treatment, then his or her discomfort will continue. It will get more infected and may develop into a serious and dangerous condition which may consist of infected abscesses in the gums and bones. It may lead to the loss of adjacent teeth and bones. However, there may be other alternatives to this procedure which include tooth extraction and dental implants with a fixed bridge. 

Generally, a root canal treatment has a very impressive success rate. However, there are certain factors that may result in the failure of this treatment. As a result, your dentist or endodontist may need to perform this surgery. Dentists usually perform this procedure with the help of a local anesthetic. They may also use dental sedation for certain patients who have dental anxiety. The perfect execution of this procedure requires a very qualified and skilled endodontist. This treatment is very beneficial for the patient. Let us take a look at the benefits of Apicoectomy:

  • The Prevention of serious issues related to oral health
  • Easing the pain of the root-end infection
  • Stopping the progress of the infection
  • It also plays a huge role in saving the tooth. 

We hope our blog has helped you in understanding what an apicoectomy is and how it is beneficial to your overall oral health. If you are looking for the best endodontic treatment in Berwyn, IL, then please visit our Berwyn dentist at Berwyn Dental Connection. Our team of experts provides cutting-edge treatment for all oral conditions.

Dentist Near Me | Coffee and Your Teeth

Coffee is well-known as hazardous to teeth, but there are things you can do besides cut it out completely. Here are some things to know about coffee’s effects on your oral health and diet, as well as how to mitigate them.

Contrary to popular belief, the pigments that give coffee its color can stain your teeth regardless of whether you take your coffee black or with cream. These pigments embed themselves in microscopic crevices and pits in your tooth enamel and are difficult to remove. To counteract this, don’t give the pigments time to set. When drinking coffee, drink quickly instead of sipping over a long period. Enjoy, then rinse your mouth with water to help neutralize the acid. In addition, following your recommended schedule of dental cleanings can help prevent stains. Whitening can improve the color of your teeth if mild staining has started. Ask our doctor how best to keep your smile bright.

Coffee can have minor benefits for your nutrition, but there are also things to beware. Drinks that are high in dairy fat or sugar can add substantial calories, as well as contributing to the chance of tooth decay. Try making your own coffee at home, where you can control the ingredients used. Minimize your use of creamer and sugar, or try using non-fat or sugar-free substitutes.

Coffee can still be a healthy party of your life if you take some care to protect your teeth. For more tips or to schedule a professional cleaning, contact our office.

Dentist in Berwyn | Can You Inherit Oral Health Issues?

Dentist in Berwyn IL

Most serious oral health issues can be prevented by maintaining an effective routine of dental hygiene and in-office care. However, you could be at higher risk for some oral illnesses due to hereditary factors. Awareness and proper treatment can help minimize these risks. Here are a few of the most common oral health concerns that are affected by genetics.

Tooth decay – One of the most common oral issues, some tooth decay has been linked to a genetic deficiency of a protein called DEFB1. If your parents experienced an unusually high rate of tooth decay, then you may want to be more vigilant regarding your own dental care.

Oral cancer – Certain genetic factors can increase your risk of developing oral cancer. Our doctor recommends annual oral cancer screening for early identification and treatment. In addition, certain lifestyle choices, such as quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption, can help reduce your risk of oral cancer.

Periodontal disease – Recent research has found that some forms of gum disease may be linked to mutations in genes that affect immunity and inflammatory response.

Misaligned or supernumerary (extra) teeth – Genetics can play a role in having misaligned or even extra teeth. The size of your jaw is determined mostly through heredity, and is the most common reason for an overbite, underbite, or dental crowding.

Canker sores – In most cases, canker sores are an isolated reaction to fatigue, stress, or menstrual cycles. However, there are certain inherited diseases that count canker sores among their symptoms. Crohn’s disease and Celiac sprue are two such conditions.

While you may not be able to avoid hereditary oral health issues entirely, we can help minimize or even reverse their effects with proper treatment and care. If you suffer from any of these inherited conditions, contact our office for an oral health evaluation. We can help.

Berwyn IL Dentyist | 3 Ways to Fix a Chipped Tooth

Berwyn IL Dentyist | 3 Ways to Fix a Chipped Tooth

Chipping a tooth could be uncomfortable and embarrassing. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to fix a chipped tooth. We will recommend a solution based on your particular needs. Here are three options we may provide you:

1.      Dental Bonding

Bonding is a quick and easy solution for most small, cosmetic chips. In the bonding process, the remaining enamel on the tooth is first roughened in order for composite to better adhere to the tooth’s surface. Composite is then shaped to replace the chip and hardened with a dental curing light, instantly solidifying the material. Typically, bonding can last up to ten years with proper care.

2.     Porcelain Veneers

If the tooth was fully cracked or there was significant damage to the tooth, veneers may be recommended. Also, if you have chipped a tooth several times or wish to repair the tooth’s color, getting veneers may be the best option.

A veneer uses porcelain material that covers the front surface of your teeth, giving them a natural look while also providing strength comparable to natural tooth enamel. In order to apply a veneer, a small amount of existing tooth structure is removed to make room around the affected area. Then, we will take an impression of the tooth to use in making the permanent veneer and place a temporary veneer.

Once the permanent, porcelain veneer arrives, the temporary veneer is removed and the area around the tooth is cleaned. We will then place the adhesive and set in the new veneer for exact fit. Finally, the veneer is light cured and you will have a natural, beautiful smile.

3.     Dental Crowns.

Dental crowns are a “cap” that covers your tooth. A crown restores a tooth back to its normal shape, size, and function. Crowns are best-suited when a large portion of the original tooth is missing, or when the tooth is significantly damaged, causing pain when chewing or drinking. They are an effective solution to repair the shape and look of your tooth quickly, preventing further damage from tooth decay or exposed nerves.

If you have a chipped tooth, contact us as soon as possible. We have a number of solutions to fix any oral health issues that arise from chipping or cracking a tooth. We will provide a customized plan for you based on your needs.

Berwyn IL Dentist | 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.

Berwyn IL Dentist | Don't Miss Your Screening

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 the early stages. As you may know, the key to the 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. Contact us today to schedule your next visit.

Berwyn IL Dentist | Preventing Enamel Erosion

Do you have white spots on your teeth? Are your teeth quite sensitive? Do your teeth have cracks, chips, or indentations? If yes, then you may be experiencing enamel erosion. 

Berwyn IL Dentist | Preventing Enamel Erosion

Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body. It is the clear coating that protects your teeth. However, being the strongest substance in the body does not mean it should be neglected. Enamel can erode. Without the protection of enamel, you not only risk developing decay, but also abscesses, tooth pain, and even tooth loss. 

What Causes Tooth Enamel Erosion? 

There are several factors that cause tooth enamel to erode, some of which are the result of everyday actions. Sugars and acids can wear down enamel. If you regularly drink soft drinks or sugary fruit drinks, you may be damaging your teeth. To protect your teeth, limit your consumption of such drinks. Alcohol can also erode enamel, as well as a diet that is high in sugary or starchy foods. The bacteria in the mouth can transforms starches and sugars in foods such as bread into damaging acid.  

Other factors include acid reflux, recurrent vomiting, gastrointestinal problems, genetically  inherited conditions, grinding your teeth, even brushing too hard or not flossing properly. All of these impact the health of your enamel, and, ultimately, your teeth. Once the enamel is worn or chipped away, it cannot be replaced. 

Keep the sweets from becoming everyday treats, replace white breads with whole grains, and try eating more cheese and yogurt to bolster the calcium in your saliva to keep the acids in check. 

How Can Enamel Erosion Be Prevented? 

In addition to exercising moderation with soft drinks, alcohol, sugars and starches, and, of course, taking extra care with regard to medical conditions and your tooth care regimen, there are a few extra things you can do to protect your smile. Saliva can neutralize harmful acids in your mouth. By drinking water and chewing sugar-free gum, you can boost saliva production.  

Keep the sweets from becoming everyday treats and replace white bread with whole grains. Add more cheese and yogurt to your diet. Not only are both foods high in calcium, but they also help neutralize harmful acids in your mouth. 

Tooth enamel is essential for maintaining a healthy smile. Be mindful of what you eat and drink. Enamel erosion may also be the consequence of other complications such as excessive teeth  grinding or acid reflux. Regular visits to our office allow our team to provide a full examination. If we detect that your enamel is eroding, we will discuss potential causes and solutions.  

To schedule your next visit to our office, please contact our team today. 

Berwyn IL Dentist | Oral Hygiene at Work

Do you brush your teeth after lunch? If you’re one of the millions of people who work outside the home, chances are you don’t have the time or resources to brush during the day. However, not being able to brush doesn’t mean you can’t protect  your teeth at work.  

Berwyn IL Dentist | Oral Hygiene at Work

Grab a drink of water. When you finish eating, get a drink of water. Swish the water around in your mouth, then spit or swallow it. Water helps to remove small particles of food that can remain on your teeth after your meal or snack. 

Chew sugarless gum. There are certain types of sugarless gum that are approved by the American Dental Association (ADA) as good for your oral health. The reason for this is that chewing stimulates the production of saliva in your mouth. That saliva washes away food particles and helps to neutralize acids on your teeth. 

Limit time drinking coffee or soda. Coffee, soda, tea, and many other beverages contain high levels of sugars and acids. The more time you spend sipping your drink, the longer your teeth are exposed to these sources of decay. Instead of spending an hour taking small swallows, drink quickly to limit exposure, then rinse your mouth or switch to water to help counteract the effects. 

Brush and floss when you can. Try to keep to a regular routine of good oral hygiene practices when you are at home. Brush at least twice daily, for two full minutes each time. Floss or use an interdental cleaner of your choice  once a day. Keep your recommended appointments to have your teeth cleaned and evaluated by our team. 

Taking care of your teeth doesn’t have to interrupt your workday. Keeping these simple tips in mind can help protect your mouth from tooth decay, periodontal disease, and other oral health issues. 

To learn more ways to preserve your oral health, talk to our team during your visit. Contact our office to schedule your next appointment today. 

Berwyn IL Dentist | Do I Really Need an Exam?

It’s highly likely that after visiting our practice, you understand the value of a thorough, professional dental cleaning. It’s also likely that you may not fully understand the importance of a complete exam and radiographs.  

Berwyn IL Dentist | Do I Really Need an Exam?

There are many reasons the exam is an important part of your oral health routine.  

1. Exams allow the doctor to evaluate for signs of health conditions. Many health conditions present early signs and symptoms in  the mouth, including Crohn’s, Addison’s, Leukemia, Diabetes, Lupus, Anemia, and many others. Skipping an exam could prevent your dentist from screening for oral manifestations of systemic disease.  

2. According to research, one American dies every hour from oral cancer. A thorough complete examination can catch early signs of oral cancer, allowing for early treatment, which can be key to survival.  

3. Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss and is  related to serious systemic  health conditions such as heart disease and stroke, among many others. Evaluating your soft tissue and bone health allows our team to identify early signs of periodontal disease, which can allow for prevention and early treatment. This is vital for your oral and overall health.  

4. Radiographs provide valuable insight. Decay and other oral health issues are often hidden from the human eye. Radiographs (X-Rays) allow us to find what we could not otherwise see, allowing for early treatment and less invasive solutions.  

Whether it has been 6 months or 6 years since your last appointment, please do not hesitate to contact us. We’re here for you and your heath and comfort are our main concerns. 

Berwyn IL Dentist | 4 Ways to Achieve Optimal Oral Health

Keeping up optimal oral health takes more than brushing and flossing. Maintaining oral hygiene demands a bit of work, but it is worth it in the long run. Here are four ways you can improve your dental health right now. 

Berwyn IL Dentist | 4 Ways to Achieve Optimal Oral Health
  • Replace your toothbrush more often. When was the last time you replaced your toothbrush? A month ago? Six months? Most people don’t swap out a new brush often enough, which can lead to reduced brush effectiveness. Change your brush at least every three months. Be sure to switch after having an infection like the cold or flu to prevent reinfection. 
  • Lay off the fizzy drinks. The acids present in soda wear away enamel, weakening your teeth and leaving them vulnerable to decay. In fact, people who drink three or more glasses of soda per day experience about 62% more tooth decay than those who choose another beverage like water. 
  • Opt for chocolate. Everyone loves a sweet treat now and then, but did you know that certain candies are better for your teeth than others? The American Dental Association reports dark chocolate is the healthiest option, as it is soft and washes off your teeth easier than other candies. Hard, sticky, and sour goodies should be avoided because they can stick to your teeth and even cause chips or cracks if you bite down too hard. 
  • Visit your dentist. Trips to our office should occur at least twice a year—not just when you have a toothache. We offer preventative care, vital education, and important cleanings, which are all part of maintaining excellent oral health.  

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