Overall 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.

 

8Feb

Did you know that oral health is a major factor in overall physical health? When your mouth is healthy, the rest of your body is more likely to be healthier, too. In fact, a recent study found that people who regularly visit their Glen Ellyn, IL dentist for check-ups and cleanings every six months are less likely to get pneumonia.

The connection between oral health and overall health is well-known. This study reinforced that fact, and provided further evidence that visiting your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings will help keep you healthier. By getting check-ups every six months, the study theorizes, microbes that can cause pneumonia can be reduced so you won’t have to worry as much about getting through the winter safely.

To get an assessment of your oral health as part of your plan to stay pneumonia-free this winter, 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.

6Nov

When your baby is teething, sometimes we have been taught to expect runny noses, fevers, and trouble sleeping as parts of the months-long teething process. Turns out it’s just not so, according to Dr. Thomas Gibbs.

Here is a look at the problems teething can cause your infant, and what symptoms have other sources. As your Glen Ellyn, IL dentist points out, the more you know, the easier they are to deal with.

5 Teething Symptoms

Experts report that 5 symptoms are directly due to the teething process, including:

  • drooling
  • extra fussiness
  • mild gum pain
  • face rash
  • desire to chew on things

But what about all the crying, runny nose, fever, the loss of appetite, and trouble sleeping? If they last for more than a day, researchers say they are often the result of germs getting into the gums in the new openings caused by the teething. These symptoms might also be due to the natural changes in your child’s immune system as he gets older. If you’re worried about your child being sick or just need to bring in your child for their first appointment, check with the professionals here at Smile Glen Ellyn.

5Mar

The use and abuse of opioids have risen to epic levels. In 2016, there were more deaths resulting from opioid abuse than ever before. The American Dental Association has decided to take a firm stance to stop it’s spread by making education and prevention a top priority for a field that can use pain management medication for dental pain relatively frequently. The CDC has also taken an active stance against this epidemic. Dr. Thomas Gibbs of Smile Glen Ellyn is dedicated to preventing the misuse of opioids to treat dental pain and does everything in his power to keep his team educated so that we can provide the compassionate care you deserve.

The ADA and the CDC Push Education & Preventative Practices

The ADA has offered free online webinars for dentists for the past six years. These webinars promote the safest way to prescribe opioids for dental pain. This commitment to continuing education has also focused on identifying patients who may be at risk for substance abuse. As a result, there has also been a push toward prescribing non-narcotic drugs to treat dental pain. The training is comprehensive in that it explores ways of encouraging at-risk patients to get help, and urges dental professionals to adhere to the guidelines set for chronic pain.

The ADA, CDC, and a whole host of other organizations are committed to diminishing the prevalence of opioid abuse. Education is key, in addition to finding appropriate preventive measures. Your Glen Ellyn, IL, dentist hopes with their attentive practice to diminish the abuse of opioids among dental patients. Proactive measures like education and practical solutions will go far in the fight to stamp out this form of abuse, and we are here to help you maintain your overall health.

 

11Nov

Contrary to the popular belief that dentists are only after cavities and plaques, your mouth is the first gateway for diagnosis of various diseases that Dr. Gibbs can spot by simple regular examination. Your mouth can not only help provide early detection of diseases, but also give away things about your life. Some examples include:

Yet To Make Flossing A Habit

According to Dr. Gibbs, patients who are yet to incorporate flossing into their daily routine would exhibit gum slices occasioned by the flossing thread.

You Are Expecting

The American Pregnancy Association reports that pregnancy gingivitis is occasioned by hormonal changes during gestation period that causes increased blood flow to the gums as well as stifling the body ability to fight off bacteria causing gingivitis.

Onychophagia

A fancy word that you have made nail-biting a habit. Tell-tale signs include chipped and cracked teeth enamel.

Once Upon A Time You Sucked Your Thumb

The American Dental Association reports that thumb sucking is a natural reflex action that children do engage starting in the womb. However, prolonged thumb sucking after the ages of seven has a detrimental effect on the teeth and jaw alignment.

So, remember to come in for your appointments at least once a year at the Smile Glen Ellyn office; we may be able to spot a surprise right in time for treatment.

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