pain Archives - Smile Glen Ellyn Restorative Dentist
top
+
Home Tag: "pain"

Tag: pain

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.

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.

 

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.

up-arrow-1