Aurora Dentist Bad breath

Keys to Controlling Bad Breath

If you’re serious about learning what’s causing your bad breath, consider scheduling an appointment with your dental professional. Given your full medical and dental history along with an oral examination, your dentist should be able to identify the culprit. The causes of bad breath are numerous and include certain foods, alcohol or cigarettes, poor oral hygiene, periodontal disease, diabetes, dry mouth, sinus or throat infections, lung infections or abscesses, kidney/liver failure, gastrointestinal issues and severe dieting.

Treatment of Bad Breath

It is important to conduct thorough oral hygiene at home twice daily utilizing tooth brushing with a fluoride antibacterial toothpaste and flossing to remove food debris and plaque on teeth, bridgework and implants, and brushing the tongue to remove odor-causing bacteria. A published study reported that tongue and tooth brushing in combination with dental flossing significantly decreased bleeding of the gum tissue over a two week period of time as well as reduced bad breath1. Another clinical study conducted by the University of Buffalo dental researchers confirmed that brushing twice a day with an antibacterial toothpaste and using a tooth brush with a tongue cleaner can eliminate bad breath2.

Tongue Cleaning is the Key to Fresher, Cleaner Breath

Cleaning your tongue is very important. You can purchase a Colgate 360 toothbrush with the tongue cleaner on the back of the toothbrush for cleaning both your teeth and tongue. After tooth brushing your upper and lower teeth with an antibacterial toothpaste, flip the toothbrush over to the tongue cleaner and place the tongue cleaner in the posterior region of the tongue and move it forward to the anterior section of the tongue. After you have scraped that portion of the tongue, rinse the tongue brush off with warm water to remove any odor causing bacteria. Then replace the tongue brush in the next posterior section again and repeat as described above again.

Consult your dentist or dental hygienist when choosing oral hygiene aids to help you eliminate plaque and odor causing bacteria and review the techniques that should be utilized at home. Also, ask your dental professional what oral hygiene care products they would consider you use to help eliminate bad breath (antibacterial toothpaste, antiseptic mouth rinse, tongue brushes or scrapers and interproximal cleaning devices). The key to a clean, fresh mouth is optimal oral hygiene conducted at home on a regular basis and professional recommendations discussed with you by your dental professional.

Credits: Colgate-Palmolive Company

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Dentist Fillings Aurora

What Is It?

Dental caries is the medical term for tooth decay or cavities. It is caused by acid erosion of tooth enamel. Many different types of bacteria normally live in the human mouth. They accumulate (along with saliva, food particles and other natural substances) on the surface of the teeth in a sticky film called plaque. Plaque forms especially easily in cracks, pits or fissures in the back teeth; between teeth; around dental fillings or bridgework; and near the gum line. Some of the plaque bacteria convert sugar and carbohydrates (starches) in the foods we eat into acids. These acids dissolve minerals in the surface of the tooth, forming microscopic pits or erosions that get larger over time.

The damage can occur anywhere the tooth is exposed to plaque and acid, including the hard outer enamel on the tooth crown or the unprotected root of the tooth that has been exposed by gum recession. Caries can penetrate the protective enamel down to the softer, vulnerable dentin (main body of the tooth) and continue through to the soft tooth pulp and the sensitive nerve fibers within it. No one really knows what causes the pain associated with cavities, but theories include inflammation caused by bacteria, exposure of the root surface and an imbalance of fluid levels in the tubules inside the dentin.

Symptoms

Early caries may not have any symptoms. Later, when the decay has eaten through the enamel, the teeth may be sensitive to sweet foods or to hot and cold temperatures.

Diagnosis

A dentist will look for caries at each office visit, regardless of whether it is a routine visit or an appointment made by the patient because of pain. The dentist will examine the teeth visually and will probe the teeth with an instrument called an explorer to determine if there are pits or areas of damage. Periodically, or if the dentist suspects hidden caries, X-rays will be taken by looking at the teeth.

Expected Duration

How long caries lasts is determined by the stage at which it is found. White spots, indicating early caries that has not yet eroded through the enamel, may be reversed if acid damage is stopped and the tooth is given a chance to repair the damage naturally. Caries that has destroyed enamel cannot be reversed. Most caries will continue to worsen and deepen and with time, the tooth may decay down to the root. The amount of time the erosion takes will vary from person to person. Caries can erode to a painful level within months or it can take years to reach that stage.

Prevention

Cavities can be prevented by reducing the amount of plaque and bacteria in the mouth. The best way to do this is by daily brushing and flossing and professional dental cleanings twice a year. You also can reduce the amount of acid in your mouth by eating sugary or starchy foods less frequently during the day. Your mouth will remain acidic for several hours after eating, so snacking throughout the day is more likely to lead to caries than avoiding between-meal snacks. Chewing gum that contains xylitol helps to counteract the acidity that occurs after eating.

Teeth can be strengthened by fluoride. A dentist can evaluate your risk of caries and then suggest appropriate fluoride treatments. In children, new molars can be protected by having the dentist apply a sealant as soon as the teeth come fully into the mouth.

Treatment

The standard treatment for caries is to fill the tooth. After the dentist removes the decayed material in the cavity (usually following the use of anesthesia to block the pain), the cavity is filled. Fillings usually are made of a dental amalgam, which is a silver-gray material made from silver alloyed with copper or other metals in order to improve durability, or of a composite resin, which is tooth-colored for a better appearance. Amalgams are used primarily in molars and premolars. Resins are used primarily in the front teeth, although it is possible to use them in all teeth. Gold inlay may be used if greater strength is needed, but this is more expensive.

If a cavity is large with extensive erosion, the remaining tooth may not be able to support the amount of filling material that would be needed to repair it. In this case, the dentist will remove the decay, fill the cavity, and cover the tooth with an artificial crown.

Sometimes the crown of the tooth remains relatively intact, and there is more damage in the interior of the tooth. In these cases, the dentist may refer you to a dental specialist called an an endodontist for root canal treatment. In this procedure, the endodontist removes the tooth’s pulp and replaces it with an inert material. In most cases, the tooth’s natural crown will need to be replaced with an artificial crown.

When To Call A Professional

The early stages of decay are usually painless. Only regular professional examinations and X-rays can detect early trouble. If you develop sensitivity to chewing or to hot, cold or sweet foods or beverages, contact your dentist.

Prognosis

If a cavity goes undiagnosed, it likely will cause the tooth to erode significantly. Eventually, the tooth may be destroyed by uncontrolled decay.

Having caries increases your risk of more caries for several reasons:

• The same oral care and dietary habits that contributed to the plaque and acids that caused the initial cavity may cause more decay
• Bacteria tend to adhere to fillings and other restorations more than to smooth teeth, so those areas will be more susceptible to new caries
• Cracks or gaps in the fillings may allow bacteria and food to enter the tooth, leading to decay from beneath the filling

Call Alivio Dental to schedule an appointment today! Proudly serving patients from Aurora,IL, Naerpville,IL, Oswego,IL, Downers Grove, IL, Lisle, IL, Darien, IL, Lombard, IL, Clarendon Hills, IL, Bollingbrook, IL, Woodridge, IL, Westmont, IL, La Grange, IL and Wheaton, IL communities now.

Credits: Aetna

Come visit our state-of-the-art brand new dental office near you inside Galena Center alongwith McDonald’s, Domino’s & Dollar General.

Aurora dental office – Alivio Dental

Aurora dental office – Alivio Dental

Alivio Dental Aurora – dental clinic

Aurora dental office – Alivio Dental

Knowing what to do in a dental emergency can make all the difference. To save your teeth, you should follow these instructions when you need urgent dental care.

One moment you’re feeling great and having fun playing football. The next—you just knocked out one of your own teeth.

And you have no idea what to do next!

You’ve been taught what to do in some medical emergencies. After all, you know that you’re supposed stop, drop, and roll for fire or perform the heimlich when someone is choking. But what are you supposed to do for a dental emergency?

Generally, there are 2 options for dental emergencies: go straight to the ER or care for the injury until you’re able to see your dentist. To help you decide what is best in different dental emergencies, here’s what you need to know:

Is Your Condition Urgent?

Not every dental issue requires a visit to the ER. Sometimes, it may be wiser financially to see your usual dentist if your condition isn’t in need of immediate medical attention.

Non-Emergency Conditions

Even if these don’t require emergency medical care, it’s still important to see our dentist as soon as possible it you have one or more of the following problems:

• Dull toothache
• Lost filling, bridge, or crown
• Broken or chipped tooth (unless there is sever pain)
• Damaged
• Objects caught between teeth
• Broken braces or wires

Urgent Dental Care Emergencies

Some dental problems can be treated at home until your dentist can see you, whereas others may require urgent attention. Here are some examples of dental emergencies.

• Injured jaw
• Painful swelling
• A permanent tooth that has been partially or fully knocked-out
• Severe toothache
• Tooth infection that leads to fever, severe pain, and swelling

It’s crucial that you know the difference between non-emergency dental issues and problems that require urgent care. Call your dentist immediately if you experience any of those problems.

Handling Dental Emergencies

If you experience a dental emergency at night or over the weekend when dentists’ offices are closed, it’s important that you know how to deal with the issues in the meantime. This list compiled from WebMD can help you know what to do in different dental emergencies:

• Toothaches – Rinse your mouth thoroughly with warm water. If you have food or an object lodges between your teeth causing pain, remove it with dental floss. If you are experiencing swelling, apply cold pack to the outside on your cheek or mouth in the area. You can also take an over-the-counter painkiller, but don’t put it against the gums near the aching tooth— it may actually burn the gum tissue.
• Broken or chipped tooth – If you’re able, save any pieces of the tooth. Wash the broken pieces if any and rinse your mouth with warm water. Apply gauze to bleeding area until the bleeding stops or for about 10 minutes. Ice the area of the broken or chipped tooth on the outside of the mouth or cheek to relieve pain and swelling.
• Partially dislodged tooth – An extruded tooth will likely need immediate attention in order to  save the tooth. Leave the tooth in its socket, even if feels like it’s about to come out. Until you’re able to see your dentist, you can take an over-the-counter pain reliever and apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth.
• Knocked Out Tooth – If you’re able to retrieve the tooth, rinse off the tooth with water if it’s dirty. Be sure to hold it by the crown and not the roots. Don’t remove any tissue fragment. Try to put the tooth back in it’s socket if possible, making sure that it’s facing the right way. Don’t force it in. If you’re unable to reinsert the tooth, put it in a small container of milk or a cup of water that contains a pinch of table salt. The highest chance of saving your tooth is seeing your dentist within 1 hour of it being knocked out, so it’s important that you seek attention right away.
• Lost Crown or Filling – If you’re unable to see your dentist immediately, there are a few things you can do to handle the situation. If you’re experiencing pain, you can apply clove oil or powder to the sensitive area with a cotton swab. If you can, try to place the crown back over the tooth. You can use an over the counter dental cement, a denture adhesive, or toothpaste to hold the crown in place until you see your dentist. If you have a lost dental filling, you can also use a piece of sugarless gum to temporarily hold it in place.
• Food/Object caught in teeth – If something lodged between your teeth is causing you pain, try to use dental floss the carefully remove it. Be gentle, and do not use a sharp object like a pin to poke at the object, as this could scratch your teeth and gums. If you can’t remove it yourself, see your dentist.
• Loose brackets – You can use a small piece of orthodontic wax to temporarily reattach loose bracket. You can also use the wax as a cushion by placing it over the braces to it doesn’t scratch your mouth. In this case, it’s important that you see your orthodontist as soon as you can.
• Broken braces or wires – Do not cut the wire yourself. Try using the eraser end of the pencil to push the wire into a more comfortable position to prevent it from poking other parts of your mouth. If you’re unable to reposition the wire, you can use a small cotton ball, orthodontic wax, or a piece of gauze to cover the end of the wire until you see your dentist.
• Tooth Abscess – An abscessed tooth is an infection at the root of a tooth, usually caused by severe tooth decay. If left untreated, they can lead to damaged tissue and teeth, with the infection spreading to the lymph nodes and other parts of the body. So, it’s important that you see your dentist as soon as possible if you think you may have an abscessed tooth. In the meantime, rinse your mouth several times a day with a mild saltwater solution to ease pain.

Many dental practices have an emergency number that you can call if you are in urgent need of dental care when office hours are closed. If for some reason you are still unable to get in contact with your dentist, you should visit the ER in the event of a serious dental emergency.

How to Prevent Dental Emergencies

Of course, accidents will happen no matter how careful you are. Still, there a few ways that you can help prevent dental emergencies:

• Wear a mouthguard or facecage during high intensity sports or activities.
• Stick to a healthy dental regimen.
• Visit your dentist regularly.
• Avoid foods that are hard on your teeth.
• Stop bad habits like chewing on pencils or fingernails.

You never know when a dental emergency could happen, which is why it’s important to be prepared. As you use these guidelines for urgent dental care, take preventative measures, and have access to affordable dental care, you should have nothing to worry about.

Call Alivio Dental to schedule an appointment today! Proudly serving patients from Aurora,IL, Naperville,IL, Oswego,IL, Downers Grove, IL, Lisle, IL, Darien, IL, Lombard, IL, Clarendon Hills, IL, Bollingbrook, IL, Woodridge, IL, Westmont, IL, La Grange, IL and Wheaton, IL communities now.

Credits: Carefree Dental

Tooth & Heart | Dentist – Darien, IL

Oral Health & Your Heart

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a disease involving the heart and blood vessels. It’s the No. 1 cause of death and disability in the United States today, with almost 700,000 Americans dying of heart disease each year.¹ That represents almost 29% of all deaths in the United States.¹

Heart disease and gum disease have several things in common. For example, inflammation is common in both cases, and inflammation can contribute to narrowing coronary arteries and breaking down the tissue that holds teeth in place.² Emerging research suggests a possible association between gum disease and CVD, as the oral bacteria of gum disease can enter the bloodstream and cause a defense reaction throughout the body.^3,4 Also, bacteria from the mouth can travel to important organs in the body, including the heart, and begin a new infection.⁴

Treating CVD depends on what form of the disease a patient has. The most effective treatments are always lifestyle changes. Whether CVD development is related to gum disease or not, keeping up with good brushing and flossing habits is essential.

If You’re at Risk for CVD…

See a physician and discuss proper ways to prevent it, as well as different possible treatments if you find out you have it.

Also, talk to your dentist or hygienist about gum disease and ask if it’s a potential problem for you and your overall health.

Make sure you visit your medical and dental professionals on a regular basis to remain as healthy as possible.

What You Can Do

A Healthy Diet Can Help Decrease Your Risk¹:

• Keep your total cholesterol below 200 mg/dL
• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables
• Limit or eliminate extra salt or sodium
• Reduce the amount of saturated fat in your diet

5 Tips to Help Prevent Cardiovascular Problems

• Abstinence from tobacco use
• Cardiovascular exercise (aerobics); talk to your doctor before starting an exercise program
• Healthy eating habits
• Some medications (discuss with your doctor)
• Aspirin therapy (talk to your doctor before starting any new medication program)

Disclaimer

The content of this guide is for information purposes only. It does not substitute for the dentist’s professional assessment based on the individual patient’s case.

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Credits: Colgate-Palmolive Company

Denture-Downers-Grove-Dentist

Dentures are replacements for missing teeth that can be taken out and put back into your mouth. While dentures take some getting used to, and will never feel exactly the same as one’s natural teeth, today’s dentures are natural looking and more comfortable than ever.

There are two main types of dentures: full and partial. Your dentist will help you choose the type of denture that’s best for you based on whether some or all of your teeth are going to be replaced and the cost involved.

How do Dentures Work?
With full dentures, a flesh-colored acrylic base fits over your gums. The base of the upper denture covers the palate (the roof of your mouth), while that of the lower denture is shaped like a horseshoe to accommodate your tongue.

Dentures are custom-made in a dental laboratory from impressions taken of your mouth. Your dentist will determine which of the three types of dentures described below is best for you.

• Conventional Full Denture
  A conventional full denture is placed in your mouth after any remaining teeth are removed and tissues have healed. Healing may take several months, during which time you are without teeth.
• Immediate Full Denture
  An immediate full denture is inserted immediately after the remaining teeth are removed. (Your dentist takes measurements and makes models of your jaw during a prior visit.) While immediate dentures offer the benefit of never having to be without your teeth, they must be relined several months after being inserted. The reason is that the bone supporting the teeth reshapes as it heals, causing the denture to become loose.
• Partial Denture
  A partial denture rests on a metal framework that attaches to your natural teeth. Sometimes crowns are placed on some of your natural teeth and serve as anchors for the denture. Partial dentures offer a removable alternative to bridges.

How Long Before I Get Used to My Dentures?
New dentures may feel awkward or uncomfortable for the first few weeks or even months. Eating and speaking with dentures might take a little practice. A bulky or loose feeling is not uncommon, while the muscles of your cheeks and tongue learn to hold your dentures in place. Excessive saliva flow, a feeling that the tongue does not have adequate room, and minor irritation or soreness are also not unusual. If you experience irritation, see your dentist.

How Long do Dentures Last?
Over a period of time, your denture will need to be relined, remade, or rebased due to normal wear. Rebasing means making a new base while keeping the existing denture teeth. Also, as you age, your mouth naturally changes. These changes cause your dentures to loosen, making chewing difficult and irritating your gums. At a minimum, you should see your dentist annually for a checkup.

Here are tips for caring for your dentures:

• When handling your dentures, stand over a folded towel or basin of water. Dentures are delicate and may break if dropped.
• Don’t let your dentures dry out. Place them in a denture cleanser soaking solution or in plain water when you’re not wearing them. Never use hot water, which can cause them to warp.
• Brushing your dentures daily will remove food deposits and plaque, and help prevent them from becoming stained. An ultrasonic cleaner may be used to care for your dentures, but it does not replace a thorough daily brushing.
• Brush your gums, tongue and palate every morning with a soft-bristled brush before you insert your dentures. This stimulates circulation in your tissues and helps remove plaque.
• See your dentist if your dentures break, chip, crack or become loose. Don’t be tempted to adjust them yourself — this can damage them beyond repair.

Call Alivio Dental to schedule an appointment today! Proudly serving patients from Downers Grove, IL, Lisle, IL, Darien, IL, Lombard, IL, Clarendon Hills, IL, Bollingbrook, IL, Woodridge, IL, Westmont, IL, La Grange, IL and Wheaton, IL communities now.

Credits: Colgate-Palmolive Company

Teeth Whitening Dentist Downers Grove

There are 2 kinds of tooth stains. One is internal, while the other is external.

External stains are found on the tooth surface. They may be caused by tobacco, tartar, and colored food and drink. Some drinks that cause stains are coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored sodas.

Internal stains are those found beneath the surface of your tooth. They may be caused by aging, excessive fluoride intake, and certain kinds of medicine.

At-home whitening treatments you can buy at the store

• Whitening strips get rid of internal stains. These strips stick to teeth, allowing a whitening agent to work its way into the tooth.
• Place whitening strips on top and bottom teeth
• Wear the strips for up to 30 minutes or as instructed by packaging
• A whitening toothpaste can take away surface stains if used often. Every time you brush with a whitening paste, you are preventing stains that can be caused by food, drinks, tobacco, or plaque buildup.

Professional whitening At the dentist

Your dental professional can offer you helpful in-office tooth whitening options. These include gels and whitening lights.

The gels contain high levels of peroxide that penetrate teeth to reduce staining. Talk to your dental professional to learn more about in-office whitening treatments.

• Whitening gel will be put on your front teeth
• The gel is left on for 15 to 20 minutes and then washed off

At-home treatments prescribed by your dental professional

You can also whiten your smile at home with products prescribed by your dental office.

Your dental professional will make a mold of your teeth and then give you a clear plastic tray made just for you. At home, you will fill your custom-made tray with whitening gel. This gel will stay on your teeth for at least an hour.

• Put the whitening gel inside your custom-made tray
• Wear the tray for at least 1 hour

Quick tips for stain prevention

• Brush and floss twice daily to prevent plaque and tartar buildup and remove surface stains.
• Cut back on dark foods and drinks such as berries, coffee, tea, and red wine.
• Avoid smoking or chewing tobacco.
• Use whitening products such as whitening toothpaste and strips.
• Visit your dental professional every 6 months for a regular dental cleaning.

Call Alivio Dental to schedule an appointment today! Proudly serving patients from Downers Grove, IL, Lisle, IL, Darien, IL, Lombard, IL, Clarendon Hills, IL, Bollingbrook, IL, Woodridge, IL, Westmont, IL, La Grange, IL and Wheaton, IL communities now.

Credits: The Procter & Gamble Company