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healthy teeth and gums
30Dec

Taking care of your dental health is essential for more than just having a great smile and feeling good! Poor oral hygiene can have severe, long-term ramifications, such as tooth decay, gum disease, or even heart problems. To prevent these health consequences and protect yourself against them, use this helpful list of tips to maintain optimal oral wellness:

Brush your teeth twice a day

Establishing the habit of brushing your teeth twice daily with a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste is essential for maintaining long-term oral health. The circular motions used while brushing help fight plaque, an invisible film of bacteria that can lead to cavities and gum disease. With this easy routine, you will ensure optimum overall well-being!

Floss daily

Brushing is just one step of a successful oral hygiene routine; flossing must also be considered for strong teeth and gums. Floss works to eliminate accumulated plaque, as well as food particles that your toothbrush cannot reach. Therefore, it’s essential to incorporate string floss daily – make sure you apply gentle back-and-forth motions! No snapping or jerking movements should ever occur when performing this task.

Use an antibacterial mouthwash.

Incorporating an antibacterial mouthwash into your daily routine can do wonders for the health of your teeth and gums. Not only does it reduce plaque and bacteria in your mouth, but its refreshing taste will leave you with a pleasant breath throughout the day – be sure to use it as directed on the bottle label! Remember: never swallow any form of mouthwash!

Eat a balanced diet.

Eating a balanced diet is also essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums. Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains helps to keep your mouth healthy by providing it with the nutrients it needs. Avoid sugary foods and drinks, as they can increase your risk for tooth decay.

Quit smoking

Smoking is terrible for your overall health, including your oral health. Smoking increases gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer risk. If you smoke, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your teeth, gums, and overall health.

Use Mouthwash Regularly

Mouthwash can help to remove plaque and bacteria from your mouth, keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Look for a mouthwash that contains fluoride, as this will help to prevent cavities. Swish the mouthwash around in your mouth for 30 seconds before spitting it out

Limit acidic foods and drinks

Acidic foods and drinks can wear away at your tooth enamel, making your teeth more vulnerable to decay. To reduce the amount of acid in your mouth, limit your consumption of citrus fruits, juices, sports drinks, and sodas. If you consume acidic foods or beverages, rinse your mouth with water afterward to help neutralize the acidity.

Avoid teeth grinding

Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is a common problem that can cause severe damage to your teeth and gums. If you grind your teeth at night, talk to your dentist about getting a mouthguard to wear while you sleep. This will help to protect your teeth and gums from the damage caused by grinding.

See Your Dentist Regularly

Seeing your dentist regularly is another important way to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Your dentist can detect problems early and provide treatment to prevent more serious problems from developing. Most dentists recommend seeing their patients every six months for a routine cleaning and exam.

Dr. Gibbs, and the team at Smile Glen Ellyn in Glen Ellyn, IL, are here to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums. We can provide personalized advice on incorporating these tips into your daily routine and answer any questions about oral health care. Please take your time; call us today for an appointment or consultation so we can get started helping you achieve a brighter smile!

30Sep

The best starting point to see if dentures are an option is to see your dentist. They can help determine if another treatment option might be more suited to your particular situation. If dentures are an option, they can help you decide which type of denture is best for you.

What types of dentures are there?

Dental implants may be used to support partial or total denture replacement. Dental implants can be utilized in place of lost teeth, replacing both the upper and lower jawbones. Full dentures rest on top of and cover the gums where the original teeth have been removed. Partial dentures, which replace only part of the teeth, are maintained by dental implants. Partial dentures that replace some but not all of the natural teeth are known as interim dentures. They attach to remaining teeth and cover and rest on the gums and bones where the lost teeth should have been. Dental implants can also assist with partial denture restoration and stabilization.

Traditional complete full dentures

Complete dentures replace all of a patient’s teeth. Full dentures sit on the gums instead of dental bridges anchored to existing teeth. Full dentures are typically placed within 8-12 weeks after the teeth have been removed/extracted.

Partial dentures

Partial dentures are used to replace teeth that have been lost. Partial dentures are sometimes called “half-dentures.” They’re sometimes known as composite partial dentures or half-denture prostheses. When a person has natural teeth, such as when one or more teeth are still in the upper and lower jaw, partial dentures may be employed. A pink-colored foundation is attached to a metal piece that acts as the base. The denture is kept in place by these two pieces.

Partials are convenient and removable dentures, so you can take them out whenever necessary. They also help to prevent the other teeth from moving. Partials are made from all-acrylic or acrylic material.

Custom dentures

Dentures that are custom-made to fit your mouth better are more expensive, but they also provide a smile that looks more natural. You may view the finished denture before it is implanted. Because the denture is created to suit your smile, it appears natural and meets your demands.

Immediate dentures

Immediate dentures are placed as soon as the teeth have been extracted. Not everyone is a good candidate for this type of denture, however. With immediate dentures, you won’t have to go without teeth during the healing process. Immediate dentures are made in advance and can be worn right away.

Implant-supported dentures

Implant-supported dentures are more expensive, but they offer many advantages. Implant-supported dentures are less likely to slip or shift in your mouth and provide better support for your jaw. They also help to preserve the bone in your jaw.

Snap-in dentures

Snap-in dentures are a type of denture that is held in place by snaps that attach to implants in your jaw. Snap-in dentures are more expensive, but they offer several advantages. They are less likely to slip or shift in your mouth and provide better support for your jaw. Snap-in dentures are typically chosen when a patient has no teeth but enough bone to support an implant.

Overdentures

An overdenture is a prosthetic that sits on top of the gums and is secured with dental implants. Depending on the patient’s demands, it can be placed on the upper or lower jaw. The overdenture may also be removed.

Upper dentures

Upper dentures are dentures for the upper teeth. Upper dentures may be your best solution if you miss teeth in the upper jaw.

If you are considering dentures as an option to improve your smile, we encourage you to contact your dentist. They can answer any questions and provide more information about the process and what to expect. Dental professionals have the necessary training and experience to help you decide which dentures are right for you.

 

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.

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.

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.

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