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Gingivitis: What Is It and How Is It Treated? | Roselle IL Dentist
If you haven’t been brushing, flossing, or getting your teeth professionally cleaned, you may have gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease. The good news is that gingivitis can be reversed with proper oral hygiene practices and a little help from our dental team.
What is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is the first stage of periodontal (gum) disease. There are several symptoms, including red, swollen, and tender gums; sensitivity to heat or cold; gums that bleed easily; and lingering bad breath. Untreated gum disease can progress to periodontitis, which is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
Who gets gingivitis?
Gingivitis is very common. Over half of all adults over the age of 30 suffer from some form of gum disease.
There are several factors that increase the risk of gum disease:
- males, though researchers are unsure of the reason for this. There may be a hormonal component to this, or that men are more likely to contract related diseases. In addition, men are less likely to go to the dentist.
- poverty-stricken individuals and those with less than a high school education. A number of diseases are associated with these factors.
- smokers, since tobacco weakens the body’s ability to resist infection.
Gingivitis: What Causes It?
Plaque and tartar can accumulate on the teeth without good oral hygiene practices and regular dental cleanings. Bacteria in plaque irritate gum tissues, causing inflammation and infection.
Other risk factors for gingivitis include having crooked teeth that are hard to clean; smoking or chewing tobacco; hormonal changes during pregnancy; and dry mouth. Gum inflammation can also be a side effect of certain medications and be caused by certain medical conditions, including diabetes.
How Is Gingivitis Treated?
A deep cleaning procedure called scaling and root planing is the first line of treatment for gingivitis and periodontitis. The process of scaling is similar to that of a routine dental cleaning. Scalers are used to remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line and in between teeth. Root planing involves cleaning and smoothing out the tooth’s root surfaces to encourage the gum tissue to heal.
A gingivitis treatment plan should also include maintaining daily oral hygiene habits, such as brushing your teeth, flossing, and rinsing your mouth with mouthwash. Please schedule an appointment with our dental office as soon as possible if you notice any signs of gingivitis. Our Roselle dentist will evaluate your condition and assist you in restoring your healthy smile.
We invite you to schedule your routine dental examination and cleaning with our dental office. We provide preventive services to ensure your smile remains healthy for as long as possible. You can always count on our team for the highest level of care and service. Get in touch with Westlake Dental Care of Roselle today to schedule an appointment!
The Optimal Oral Health Routine | Cosmetic Dentist Roselle IL
If it has been more than 6 months since your last dental visit, it may not be possible to regain optimal oral health care without the assistance of professional care. While creating your oral health plan, make sure to start by scheduling an examination and professional thorough cleaning with our team. Once you’ve received professional care, it’s imperative to adopt an at-home care plan to maintain your oral health between appointments.
How often should you receive professional care?
Your professional oral health care plan will vary based on your individual needs. For patients with mild to severe periodontal disease, a program involving 4 visits per year may be necessary to keep the disease from progressing. For others with a smile less susceptible to periodontal disease and tooth decay, 2 visits per year may suffice. Regardless of your individual needs, once set, do your best to keep to your regular schedule. This will prevent harmful bacteria from causing damage to your beautiful smile and affecting your overall health.
Home Care
Many don’t realize the regular dental appointments alone do not ensure optimal oral health. In fact, according to the research conducted by the American Dental Association, brushing should occur twice per day for 2 full minutes with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Interdental cleaning should occur daily and can be done with floss or alternative methods, such as with the use of a Waterpik.
Decay can occur in a few months or less of oral hygiene neglect. Decay can also occur due to an acidic oral environment, underlying health conditions or as a result of a poor dietary habit.
Oral Health and Overall Health
Your oral health is directly related to your overall health. The bacteria and infection found in your mouth can travel through your bloodstream to important organs. It’s imperative to care for your smile, just as you would your heart, lungs or brain.
Whether it has been only a few months or several years since you’ve last received professional oral health care, we welcome you at our practice. You’ll receive compassionate care, free of judgement. It’s our goal to help you achieve a smile that you’re happy to display.
What is a Cosmetic Dentist? | Best Dentist Roselle IL
Despite popular belief, there is no official dental specialty for cosmetic dentistry. There are, however, countless courses, training programs and advanced training which can allow a general dentist to master the art of dentistry. When considering cosmetic dentistry, start with a consultation.
What to Expect During Your Cosmetic Consultation
Just as you wouldn’t paint a house that has yet to be built, you wouldn’t want to address the aesthetics of your smile, prior to ensuring the foundation is healthy and functional. For this reason, you may learn that you have a need for restorative or orthodontic care before receiving the cosmetic plan. This can be disappointing for some patients, however, most agree that having a strong and healthy smile is even more important than its appearance.
During your cosmetic consultation, you’ll have the opportunity to explain to our team how you’d like your smile to appear. With modern technology and procedures, our team can address and solve a variety of concerns, including:
- Diastema (gaps between teeth)
- Whitening a dull smile
- Repairing chipped or cracked teeth
- Building up worn teeth
- Reshaping
- Crown lengthening (to correct a “gummy” smile)
- Misaligned or crooked teeth
The services recommended during your consultation may include one or more of the following:
- Porcelain veneers
- Teeth whitening
- Inlays and onlays
- Dental Implants
- Dentures
- Tooth-colored fillings
- Orthodontics
During your appointment, you’ll not only express what you envision for your smile, but our team will provide you with a detailed plan for how to achieve your goals. From there, you’ll be able to plan the appointments, financing and more. Often a few small changes can drastically improve the appearance of a smile. It’s very possible that in 1-2 short visits, you can be smiling with confidence.
If you’ve considered cosmetic dentistry, but aren’t sure where to start, contact us. Our team of professionals will provide you with an individual plan.
Roselle IL Dentist | 6 Tips for Preventing Tooth Decay in Children
Oral health is important at every stage in life. Just because your children are going to lose their primary (baby) teeth eventually doesn’t mean that we can ignore the importance of dental care. Tooth decay can be painful and uncomfortable to treat. To protect your child’s smile, it is vital to understand optimal preventive care.
- Explain the important of routine dental care to your children and turn brushing and flossing into something fun that they look forward to each day.
- Schedule routine appointments to our office for cleanings and dental exams. Your child should start seeing a dentist as soon as their first tooth emerges. Make sure to continue visiting us twice a year for optimal oral health.
- Include crisp and fibrous foods into your child’s diet. Fruits and vegetables high in water content help keep your child’s mouth hydrated. Foods such as apples increase saliva which inhibit bacteria from sticking to their teeth.
- Avoid food and drinks that are high in sugar. Soda, juice and candy are all treats that most children love to eat. However, these can be detrimental to your child’s teeth and overall health.
- Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is one of the easiest and most effective ways to prevent tooth decay. Water flushes bacteria and acid away from teeth. Encourage your children to drink water especially after eating.
- Ask us about dental sealants for your children. Sealants can add a layer of protection to your child’s teeth where bacteria build up to prevent damage.
Tooth decay starts out as a small problem, but left untreated can lead to serious oral health issues. By adding a few minor habits into your daily routine, your child’s oral health can change for the better. Simple changes in diet and routine can keep cavities at bay.
Call us today to schedule an appointment for your child.
Roselle Dentist | Oral Hygiene at Work
60172 Dentist
Do you brush your teeth after lunch? If you’re one of the millions of people who work outside the home, chances are you don’t have the time or resources to brush during the day. However, not being able to brush doesn’t mean you can’t protect your teeth at work.
Grab a drink of water. When you finish eating, get a drink of water. Swish the water around in your mouth, then spit or swallow it. Water helps to remove small particles of food that can remain on your teeth after your meal or snack.
Chew sugarless gum. There are certain types of sugarless gum that are approved by the American Dental Association (ADA) as good for your oral health. The reason for this is that chewing stimulates the production of saliva in your mouth. That saliva washes away food particles and helps to neutralize acids on your teeth.
Limit time drinking coffee or soda. Coffee, soda, tea, and many other beverages contain high levels of sugars and acids. The more time you spend sipping your drink, the longer your teeth are exposed to these sources of decay. Instead of spending an hour taking small swallows, drink quickly to limit exposure, then rinse your mouth or switch to water to help counteract the effects.
Brush and floss when you can. Try to keep to a regular routine of good oral hygiene practices when you are at home. Brush at least twice daily, for two full minutes each time. Floss or use an interdental cleaner of your choice once a day. Keep your recommended appointments to have your teeth cleaned and evaluated by our team.
Taking care of your teeth doesn’t have to interrupt your workday. Keeping these simple tips in mind can help protect your mouth from tooth decay, periodontal disease, and other oral health issues.
To learn more ways to preserve your oral health, talk to our team during your visit. Contact our office to schedule your next appointment today.
1260 W Lake St, Roselle, IL 60172
Dentist in Roselle | Ow! Your Guide to Canker Sores
Dentist in Roselle, IL
A canker sore can make eating, drinking, and talking difficult and even painful. Maintaining your oral health by brushing and flossing may also be difficult with a sore in your mouth, but keeping up with your daily oral hygiene routine is an important step in the healing process. We’ve put together a short guide to everything you need to know about canker sores.
What do they look like?
Canker sores are usually small, round reddish sores. You’ll find them on the soft tissues of your mouth, such as your tongue, the sides of your mouth, and at the base of your gums. Occasionally, a sore might have a yellow or white colored center.
What causes them?
Among the most common causes of canker sores are injuries. This can happen from biting your lip or cheek, an injury from sports, or even vigorous brushing. Certain people are sensitive to toothpastes containing sodium lauryl sulfate, leading to sores. Foods may also cause canker sores in certain people. Chocolate, eggs, nuts, and spicy foods have been known to cause the sores. At times, a diet that is deficient in vitamin B-12 or zinc is the culprit.
What can I do?
Your best defense is to keep your mouth healthy. This means keeping up with your twice-daily brushing and daily flossing. With a mouth sore, it may be tempting to avoid the area when brushing your teeth. This can lead to a buildup of plaque and bacteria. Aid the healing process by keeping your mouth clean and healthy. You may also try a mouthwash formulated for mouth sores. When in doubt, or if pain persists, talk to our team.
Brush thoroughly but gently around sores. Most canker sores heal within a week. If you find you are regularly getting sores, or they are taking longer than one week to heal, schedule a visit to our office. We will assess your oral health and provide you with our expert advice.
For more information about oral health or to schedule your next visit, please contact our office. We look forward to seeing you.
Dentist in Roselle | Ow! Your Guide to Canker Sores
Dentist in Roselle, IL
A canker sore can make eating, drinking, and talking difficult and even painful. Maintaining your oral health by brushing and flossing may also be difficult with a sore in your mouth, but keeping up with your daily oral hygiene routine is an important step in the healing process. We’ve put together a short guide to everything you need to know about canker sores.
What do they look like?
Canker sores are usually small, round reddish sores. You’ll find them on the soft tissues of your mouth, such as your tongue, the sides of your mouth, and at the base of your gums. Occasionally, a sore might have a yellow or white colored center.
What causes them?
Among the most common causes of canker sores are injuries. This can happen from biting your lip or cheek, an injury from sports, or even vigorous brushing. Certain people are sensitive to toothpastes containing sodium lauryl sulfate, leading to sores. Foods may also cause canker sores in certain people. Chocolate, eggs, nuts, and spicy foods have been known to cause the sores. At times, a diet that is deficient in vitamin B-12 or zinc is the culprit.
What can I do?
Your best defense is to keep your mouth healthy. This means keeping up with your twice-daily brushing and daily flossing. With a mouth sore, it may be tempting to avoid the area when brushing your teeth. This can lead to a buildup of plaque and bacteria. Aid the healing process by keeping your mouth clean and healthy. You may also try a mouthwash formulated for mouth sores. When in doubt, or if pain persists, talk to our team.
Brush thoroughly but gently around sores. Most canker sores heal within a week. If you find you are regularly getting sores, or they are taking longer than one week to heal, schedule a visit to our office. We will assess your oral health and provide you with our expert advice.
For more information about oral health or to schedule your next visit, please contact our office. We look forward to seeing you.
Roselle Dentist | Fix Your Bad Breath For Good
Dentist in Roselle, IL
It’s probably safe to assume that you don’t want the first thing people notice about you to be your bad breath. In fact, depending on the frequency and severity of the odor, bad breath could be hurting you professionally and relationally. There are some obvious causes of bad breath, including foods with strong smells, illness, or dry mouth. However, if you’re finding that a good oral care routine that includes flossing, brushing, and mouthwash isn’t enough to fix the problem, our dental team can help. Below is some information about the common causes of and cures for bad breath. Contact our dental practice today to learn more and to schedule an examination and cleaning!
Bad breath, also called halitosis, can be caused by a variety of factors. Eating food with strong odors can cause them to linger on your breath. Particles of food left behind in your mouth can cause the buildup of odor-causing bacteria. Alcohol and tobacco can exacerbate unpleasant smells in your mouth. Tooth decay and gum disease can cause strong odors as the bacteria eats away at your mouth. Patients with diabetes can experience a buildup in ketones, causing bad breath. Bad breath therefore is not only an embarrassing nuisance; it can also be a warning sign of other health issues.
The most common cause of bad breath is poor oral hygiene, so there are some easy steps you can take at home to begin addressing the issue. Make sure you’re following a regular oral care routine that includes daily flossing, twice daily brushing, regular mouthwash rinses, and twice yearly professional cleanings. You should also take time to brush your tongue, and might want to invest in a tongue scraper to help keep it clean. Stay hydrated to avoid dry mouth by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Quit smoking, which will have far reaching health benefits beyond improving your breath. If needed, alter your diet. Foods that are overly sugary, spicy, or seasoned can all cause bad breath, as well as items like onions, garlic, coffee, and alcohol.
If none of these steps alleviate your bad breath, it could be a sign of a more serious issue. To learn more about preventing bad breath, or to schedule an examination and professional cleaning with our dentist, contact our practice today!
Dentist in Roselle IL | Thank You
Dentist in Roselle, IL
Thank you for trusting me with your dental health care. You are a valuable part of my work and my life. I want you to know that my team and I appreciate your time, your trust, and your teamwork in your oral health care.
A smile is contagious. I love coming into work everyday and helping our fellow community members achieve the smile of their dreams because it means that they’ll share that smile with those around them. I believe that all of this smiling makes our community a better, happier place.
Serving the community we share gives me purpose. So, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. Thank you for sharing your smile with our staff and your fellow community members. Thank you for being a patient that brightens our team’s day. Thank you for being a big part of why I smile.
If we’ve made you smile, please tell your friends and family about us. We look forward to seeing you at your next appointment.
Thank you so much.
Roselle IL Dentist | Symptoms and Preventions of Periodontal Disease
Dentist Roselle
Periodontal disease is the leading cause of tooth loss and is one of the most common health conditions in our population. It is caused by plaque and bacteria buildup that forms around the gum line, and creates pockets between teeth and gums. This disease can progress and contribute to deteriorating oral health and overall health, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease and pregnancy complications.
Although periodontal disease may progress without pain, it is important to take note of symptoms to prevent further overall health problems.
Symptoms
• Gums that bleed during and after brushing teeth
• Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
• Receding gums
• Formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums
• Red, swollen or tender gums
• Loose or shifting teeth
• Sores in your mouth
• Painful or sensitive teeth
Health and lifestyle changes can help to reduce the risk, severity and speed of gum disease development, including:
Proper Dental Care – Maintaining good oral health consists of professional cleanings by your dentist at least twice a year, as well as proper brushing and flossing. Brushing eliminates plaque from the surfaces of teeth and flossing removes food particles between teeth and under the gum line.
Maintain a Well-Balanced Diet – Proper nutrition can help strengthen your immune system and fight off infection. Eating foods that are high in vitamin E and vitamin C can help your body repair damaged tissue.
Reduce Stress – Stress makes it difficult for your body to fight off infections since it weakens the immune system.
Avoid Clenching and Grinding Your Teeth – Excessive force on your teeth and tissues may increase the rate at which these tissues are destroyed. This pressure may speed up the breakdown of the periodontal ligament and bone.
Stop Smoking – The chemicals in tobacco products is a significant risk factor for the increase of gum disease. People who smoke tend to collect more tartar on their teeth and often develop deeper periodontal pockets once they have gum disease.
If you experience any symptoms of periodontal disease or for more information on prevention, please contact our Roselle dental office.
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Roselle, IL 60172
Phone: (630) 980-6762
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