Teeth Archives - Smile Glen Ellyn Restorative Dentist
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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.

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.

adult casual chef 1418355 scaled
6Oct

Dental Implants might just be your new best friend! Why? If you have been faced with some challenging dental health issues in the past or are currently, you may want to consider this procedure. This American Dental Association-approved procedure is not only safe, but very cost-effective and long-term. Dr. Thomas Gibbs wants to help you get on the path to a healthier, more beautiful smile.

Tooth decay, loss and ill-fitting dentures are all potential causes for bone loss in the jaw, wrinkles around the mouth area, and bad breath. Dental health is very important and that’s why we want to provide you with options.

Dental Implants

What are they? They’re small metal parts that are surgically placed where your old tooth’s root once was. A new implant will then go right on top of that metal part and voila – you have a natural-looking brand-new smile you can feel confident about.

Smile Glen Ellyn can answer any questions you may have about this procedure.

Cost-Effective

Not only will you receive a thorough consultation about a solid treatment plan with payment options, but you will be supported by your Glen Ellyn, IL dentist from point A to point B throughout the process.

Our mouths are one of the very first things people see when they look at you. We want you to feel good about your smile, so do come in if you’re considering dental implants.

ice cream
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.

toothpaste frog
13Jun

Dr. Thomas Gibbs recommends to most people that they use fluoridated toothpaste. While there are new fluoride-free options gaining some traction in the market that may be welcome for you if you have specific conditions like fluoride allergies, your Glen Ellyn, IL dentist’s views echo those of most other dentists around the country – fluoridated toothpastes are most likely better for you. While fluoride-free formulas may still provide things like teeth whitening and fresh breath, they simply cannot match the cavity-fighting ability of fluoride.

Why is fluoride so beneficial?

Fluoride works with the saliva in your mouth to restore minerals to the enamel of your teeth, so as to strengthen its resistance to harmful decay-causing bacteria. At Smile Glen Ellyn, we strive to educate patients about best dental practices to help everyone avoid the consequences of prolonged tooth decay which eventually results in cavities. One of the best ways to do that, along with regular brushing and flossing, is to use a toothpaste which includes fluoride, to boost your teeth’s cavity-fighting capabilities.

Your Glen Ellyn dental team is here for you: if you have concerns or questions about the amount of fluoride you receive through your toothpaste or through other natural sources, we are happy to work with your individual needs and help you figure out if fluoridated toothpaste is right for you. Call or click today for a consultation.

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