Smile Glen EllynSmile Glen Ellyninfo@smileglenellyn.comSmile Glen Ellyn is a general and cosmetic dentistry who offers experienced dental care to the following areas: Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, Lombard, Glendale Heights, and Carol Stream, IL.26 North Park BoulevardGlen Ellyn, IL 60137USA630-858-8800https://smileglenellyn.com/
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oral health Archives | Smile Glen Ellyn Restorative Dentist
When is the last time you mentioned going to the dentist among friends? You’ve likely heard horror stories involving various levels of pain and discomfort. There are a lot of people who simply expect to experience pain when they visit the dentist. However, it doesn’t have to be this way. Sedation dentistry helps you be more comfortable during dental treatments.
What is sedation dentistry?
When you visit Smile Glen Ellyn, you will be greeted by friendly and warm staff members. One goal is to create a healthy relationship between you and the dental team. When you have confidence in those who are working with you the experience will go much smoother. Dr. Gibbs and the dental team understand that when you are at ease your body can more easily respond to pain control and medication. Sedation dentistry ensures you can get the dental treatment you need without fear of pain.
Safe forms of sedation are used to help provide calmness before procedures are performed. This may include relieving anxiety or numbing affected areas so you can’t feel the dental professional working. There are various levels of sedation including:
Minimal sedation where the patient remains awake but has calm feelings.
Moderate sedation where the patient is fully awake, but not fully aware.
Deep sedation keeps the patient awake but they only have minimal consciousness.
General anesthesia will cause the patient to sleep deeply without being conscious.
How safe is sedation dentistry?
Sedation dentistry has been practiced for years, it’s not new. However, over the last decade or so, new techniques have been able to expand its application. The latest techniques can be used for routine cleanings or even for those who experience a lot of anxiety just by being in the dentist’s chair. Sedation can be used as an antidote for anxiety or to help provide a numbing effect. It can also prevent most pain during procedures. The three ways sedation is administered in the Glen Ellyn dental office include:
Inhalation – Commonly called “laughing gas” nitrous oxide is administered using a breathing mask. It has a calming effect but the patient isn’t unconscious. In most cases, they can drive themselves home safely after the procedure.
Oral Medication – Sedation may be administered using a pill that is available in different strengths. It mostly makes people groggy and many times patients fall asleep during the procedure.
Intravenous Drip– Sedation can also be administered via an IV. They will feel it take effect almost immediately. The doctor carefully monitors and adjusts the dosage during procedures.
These types of sedation may also be paired with a topical anesthetic to numb the immediate area where the dentist is working. Combining two approaches is extremely effective. Following a dental procedure, you’ll be given instructions on any measures you can take at home to help provide relief from any discomfort that may follow. This can include applying ice packs, warm rags, or taking medications to alleviate pain.
Sedation Dentistry at Glen Ellyn
Many dental practitioners do not offer sedation dental care. But Dr. Gibbs at Smile Glen Ellyn makes procedures easy and convenient. Call us today to discuss what level of sedation might be appropriate to help you alleviate anxious feelings about visiting the dentist. We have specialized staff, experience, and certifications to ensure your next trip to the dentist is as comfortable as possible. Contact our offices today to schedule your next visit.
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.
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.
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.
A baby’s arrival seems to bring an endless to-do list. There’s the numerous doctor visits, preparing the nursery, and of course those cravings. A mom-to-be may have a lot on her mind, but she has to make sure to remember her oral health. That means learning about proper teeth cleaning when pregnant. After all, you’d want a perfect smile to be one of the first things the newborn baby sees, right?
Pregnancy actually increases the risk of tooth decay, and this occurs for many reasons. Women consume more carbohydrates and brushing their teeth becomes more of challenge due to morning sickness and other issues like bleeding gums. Plan your dental visits throughout the entire pregnancy. Having a healthy mouth decreases the risk of delivering prematurely or having a baby with a low birth weight.
Taking care of your mouth allows you to better focus on the coming arrival of your little one. Brush at least twice a day and don’t forget to floss. Pregnancy is a special experience so you want to maintain your health throughout it.
You’re most likely aware that poor nutrition can lead to health problems, but did you know that initial warning signs for declining health often affect your mouth first? Since the nutrients or additives within food come in contact with teeth and gums first, daily menu choices have an essential impact on oral and overall health.
The act of chewing and swallowing are considered the first steps of many in the digestive process. You can keep your dental health in check not just by building a relationship with your dentist, but by following these suggested nutritional guidelines.
Vegetables and fruits should make up half the plate at mealtime. When it comes to protein, not all is created equal. Make lean choices like fish and skinless poultry, and include eggs, legumes, peas and beans. Add at least eight ounces of seafood weekly. When consuming dairy, try to stick with fat-free or low-fat options. In regards to grain, at least half should be whole, like brown rice and oatmeal.
Keep in mind that individual caloric and nutritional needs depend on gender, age, physical activity and other health factors. However, since the Center of Nutrition Policy and Promotion considers these foods part of a healthy and balanced diet, they’re the basis of a healthy lifestyle.earn more about how to improve your oral health in Glen Ellyn, IL