Oral Health Archives | Smile Glen Ellyn Restorative Dentist
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10Mar

If you have a compromised immune system or you regularly use inhaled steroids, you need to be aware of oral thrush. Oral thrush is an infection that is caused by an overgrowth of yeast in your mouth or throat. In other words, it is essentially a yeast infection that can develop in your mouth. Like other yeast infections, oral thrush is irritating, but it is hardly life-threatening. It can also be treated with the help of your good Glen Ellyn, IL dentist.

Smile Glen Ellyn

Dr. Thomas Gibbs has been practicing dentistry at Smile Glen Ellyn since in 1978. The areas of expertise of him and his team include cosmetic dentistry and family dentistry, and he will be more than happy to address any questions or concerns that you may have about oral thrush. For more information about Dr. Gibbs or to schedule an appointment, contact Smile Glen Ellyn today.

 

5Jan

Even though it can sometimes feel like cavities can’t be avoided, there are ways you can keep from having to deal with the pain and frustration it causes. Understanding what a cavity is and how it can be prevented can help you improve your dental hygiene and keep those pesky holes away.

Cavity Anatomy

A cavity is a hole in your tooth that comes from a buildup of plaque. When food particles are left on your teeth, bacteria creates a sticky residue called plaque. The acidic compounds in plaque break down the enamel of your tooth, and that’s how you end up with cavities.

Keeping them Away Can be Easy

The good news is that they can be prevented. Proper dental care at home (brushing, flossing, and fluoride mouthwash) along with check-ups with your Glen Ellyn, IL dentist every six months can help reduce chances of cavities and keep your smile looking great.

If you’re due for a check-up, call today to make an appointment with Dr. Thomas Gibbs at Smile Glen Ellyn.

8Dec

Having a healthy oral hygiene routine is important to your health in more ways than you might realize: recent research is showing by preventing the development of gum disease, you may potentially help prevent certain cancers.

Researchers at the University of Helsinki and the Helsinki University in Finland, as well as the Karolinska Institute in Sweden, say that the bacteria that induces periodontitis has similarities in how they propagate to the onset of pancreatic cancer. Periodontitis, the inflammation of tissues around the teeth, is caused by a bacteria that causes low-grade inflammation in the gums, which can help the bacteria reach other parts of the body.

The researchers published their study in the British Journal of Cancer, finding that an enzyme produced by the bacteria to help it successfully propagate can also activate enzymes that help cancer cells anchor into other parts of the tissue. This enzyme can also reduce the abilities of the immune system to work in protecting the body. Another study found that periodontitis has a connection to cancer mortality, particularly in pancreatic cancer.

When you need oral care from a Glen Ellyn, IL dentist, Smile Glen Ellyn is ready to meet your needs. To help prevent periodontitis and protect your oral health, call Dr. Thomas Gibbs to make an appointment today.

5Oct

Most of us think of sugar as the number one enemy of healthy teeth. However, there are other foods and drinks that can wreak havoc on your oral health as well. This is why simply eliminating or reducing the amount of sugar from your diet is simply not enough. Dr. Thomas Gibbs knows that this is a common misconception and works to educate patients on the best ways to improve oral health.

More Sugar Anyone?

Sugar can cause cavities when it mixes with the plaque on teeth and creates an acidic environment that wears on the enamel of your teeth over time. Many people understand that sugary foods and drinks aren’t the healthiest choices for good oral health; however, few understand why. As a result, many people will cut down on sugary foods or choose sugar-free options thinking they are improving their oral health.

What Else Can be Done to Protect Tooth Enamel in addition to  Eliminating Sugar?

Your Glen Ellyn, IL dentist understands that most patients think that eliminating sugar will stop the slow assault on tooth enamel and reduce cavities. However, there are other factors that should be considered as well. Acidic foods and drinks may or may not be sugary, but the acids present in these foods and drinks can be just as troublesome as sugary foods because they wear away at tooth enamel as well. This is why it’s a good idea to reduce your consumption of acidic foods as well as sugary foods and drinks, or remembering to rinse or brush after having these foods. The Smile Glen Ellyn team is committed to educating patients and providing tips to help preserve tooth enamel and improve overall oral health.

9Feb

Your Glen Ellyn, IL dentist probably reminds you at every appointment about the importance of flossing as part of your oral hygiene routine. Cleaning between your teeth prevents plaque buildup around the teeth and gums. Combined with brushing and professional cleaning, flossing is an important part of your dental health.

If you don’t floss every day, you’re not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one-third of adults never floss. However, dental floss or interdental cleaners reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease by disrupting the bacteria colonies that form in unattended spaces between your teeth, keeping them from taking root. This makes flossing a key component to your oral health.

 

When Should You Floss?

The American Dental Association recommends flossing once a day. Whether you do it before you brush or after is a personal preference — the important thing is that it gets done frequently. Ask Dr. Thomas Gibbs for tips on flossing and brushing to maintain your beautiful smile in Glen Ellyn. Take care of your mouth not only for your confidence and self-esteem, but also for your overall health.

16Jan

Canker sores are small-sized ulcers which can form in the mouth, or on the cheeks, lips, tongue, gums, and on the roof of your mouth. They can be caused by a number of different things, and are not contagious, but should be taken seriously if they last a particularly long time or recur frequently. Dr. Gibbs is always happy to educate our patients about the causes and management of canker sores, and recommends that you schedule an appointment if you are experiencing unusual pain or discomfort from any oral health issue.

How Canker Sores Form

Canker sores can be triggered by incidental trauma, such as a toothbrush jab in the cheek, biting your cheek, or overly vigorous brushing. They can also be triggered by vitamin deficiency, a weak immune system, inadequate sleep, excess stress or fatigue, menstruation, or even spicy foods. Fortunately, canker sores are not contagious, and can’t be passed through contact with other people.

Treating a Canker Sore

Alleviating the discomfort of a canker sore starts with avoiding foods that make a canker sore worse, such as foods with sharp edges like nachos, highly acidic foods and beverages like carbonated sodas, and foods which are very spicy or hot. You can also try to manage any associated pain by taking over-the-counter medications for pain relief. Most canker sores should clear up in a week or so, but if you find yourself getting frequent or very long-lasting canker sores, make an appointment with Dr. Gibbs so that he can screen you for more serious oral health concerns.

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