Nothing can ruin Valentine’s Day like worrying for a whole date about whether or not you have bad breath. In our last post, you learned that dry mouth is a leading cause of bad breath, and now Smile Glen Ellyn wants to help you fix it!
Even if you’re just afraid your breath might smell, wouldn’t you rather be sure before you go out on a date? We have tips for any Glen Ellyn resident to use before, during, or after any activity they have planned this holiday.
Glen Ellyn, IL –
Thanks to recent advancements in dentistry at Dr. Thomas Gibbs Dental Office, including early stage cavity-detecting lasers and advanced formula fluoride varnishes, protecting your child’s teeth from decay-causing bacteria and cavities has become much easier. Tooth decay is a disease that cannot be treated with immunizations. Early detection and proper home care, along with a healthy diet, can give children the knowledge and means to maintain a healthy smile.
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month. Dr. Gibbs’ office is working to celebrate healthy teeth for all of our young patients this month. The American Dental Association (ADA) and dental professionals across the country work together every February to educate our communities on the importance of developing early healthy dental hygiene routines.
Dr. Thomas Gibbs and his staff are working to teach children the basic of oral health, the dangers of sweets and sugars, and the benefits of regular dental check-ups and cleanings. Developing strong dental habits at a young age, like brushing their teeth at least twice a day and flossing once a day, can ensure a beautiful, healthy smile that will last a lifetime.
For the entire month of February, children are invited to Dr. Thomas R. Gibbs Dental Office for a FREE oral health screening and complimentary dental health care kit. Stop by and visit our team to book your child’s appointment!
For more information about National Children’s Dental Health Month, or to book your child’s appointment, please contact Dr. Thomas Gibbs Dental Office today!
630.858.8800
650 Roosevelt Rd
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
www.SmileGlenEllyn.com
Dry mouth is one of the leading causes of bad breath. When our bodies are producing saliva properly, it contains chemicals that clean your mouth and prevent odor-causing bacteria from forming.
No one wants to have bad breath on Valentine’s day right? Smile Glen Ellyn wants to explain where stinky breath comes from and what Glen Ellyn and Wheaton residents can do to keep it from ruining their romantic moments.
There are many things that could contribute to a dry mouth, such as how long it has been since you’ve eaten or drank, what you last ate or drank, the amount of physical activity you’ve participated in, or even what time of day it is. Other factors can include medication, systemic diseases, body chemistry, and overall health. Continue reading
Periodontal disease? What is that?
Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that affects the tissues and the bone in the mouth that support teeth. Periodontal disease causes the tissue to pull away from each tooth. When periodontal disease worsens, the gum tissue and bone begin to disintegrate, causing tooth loss.
How do I know if I have periodontal disease?
Signs and symptoms of periodontal disease include:
- Gums that bleed when you brush your teeth or floss.
- Red, swollen or tender gums.
- Gums that have pulled away from your teeth.
- Bad breath that doesn’t go away.
- Loose or spreading teeth.
You can have periodontal disease without any signs or symptoms. Routine checkups and cleanings are important because it makes it possible for Dr. Gibbs and your hygienist to catch and treat periodontal disease at its early stages.
What do you mean by early stages of periodontal disease?
Healthy Gums: Gum tissue and bone hold teeth firmly in place.
Gingivitis: Swelling and inflammation of the gums. Bacteria toxin irritates the gum tissues causing them to be tender, swollen to the touch and likely to bleed easily.
Periodontitis: Loss of tissue and bone. As the disease progresses, pockets tend to become deeper, allowing plaque to build up below the gum line.
Advanced Periodontits: Severe damage to supporting tissues and bone. If the disease is not treated, gum tissue and bone is destroyed. Teeth become loose and may fall out or require removal.
If you can have periodontal disease without sign or symptoms, how can the docto
r tell that I have it?
When you come in for your routine checkup, Dr. Gibbs or the hygienist will examine your gums. A periodontal probe is used to measure the depth of the pockets surrounding each tooth. This probe can indicate whether you have developed any pocket depths that are deeper than what is considered healthy. If it is determined that you have periodontal disease, dental X-rays will be used to show if any bone loss occurred.
How did I get periodontal disease in the first place?
Healthy gum tissue hugs around each tooth. As tartar and bacteria film develops on teeth, it prod
uces toxins that can irritate and break down the oral tissue and bone. If daily home care and 6 month routine checkups are not consistent, the toxins can inflame the gums.
Now that I found out I have periodontal disease, how can I treat it?
Periodontal treatment depends on the type and severity of the disease. If the disease is caught at an early age (gingivitis), you may simply have a professional cleaning. The hygienist will also give you instructions on how to improve your daily oral maintenance.
In later s
tages of periodontal disease, it may require a special cleaning called scaling and root planing. In this procedure, plaque and tartar are removed from underneath the gum-line. Scaling and root planing smoothes the tooth’s surface so the gum tissue can heal and reattach to the tooth.
So, I had my recommended procedure to get rid of my periodontal disease… Am I cured?
Periodontal disease is not 100% curable. However, Dr. Gibbs and your hygienist can help prevent it f
rom coming back! Once your periodontal treatment is complete, your hygienist may recommend that you visit more often for cleanings and checkups than the average 6 months.
Home care is also important to keep periodontal disease from coming back or becoming more serious. Brushing and flossing twice a day is all it takes. Your hygienist can also advise for you to buy a SoniCare (electronic toothbrush) to help you reduce tartar buildup.
The WaterPik Water Flosser may also be suggested by your hygienist. Waterpik provides a unique combination of water pressure and pulsation to massage and stimulate gums. It cleans deep between teeth and below the gum line where traditional string floss can’t reach.
What if I opt not to get periodontal therapy?
Your oral health may affect, be affected by or contribute to various diseases and conditions including: diabetes, heart disease, HIV, cancer, Endocarditis, premature birth and low birth weights, Osteoporosis and some eating disorders are linked with oral health problems.
Hydrogen peroxide is cheap, easy to find, and can be a great way to help maintain your oral health. Smile Glen Ellyn loves being able to give you tips to take care of your teeth between appointments, especially if they help save you money. Remember, you should always check with Dr. Gibbs before you start using anything new, just to make sure it won’t cause any side effects.
Hydrogen peroxide is a common household product that can be found for very cheap at your local pharmacy or grocery store. Continue reading
We all talk with our mouth
s, but if our mouths can talk on their own what would it say about your health? Did you know that your mouth can give you clues to disorders and diseases? Your teeth, gums, cheeks, tongue, and even your lips are all the indicators in getting these clues.
What kind of clues can your teeth behold apart from cavities? You may have beautiful pearly whites, but just because you have white teeth does not mean everything is well and healthy. For example, are the tops of your back molars worn away and flattened? If yes, this indicates clenching and grinding due to stress. Most dentists would recommend a night guard for clenching and grinding. Stress causes people to clench and grind, this strains out your jaw which may cause a clicking noise and pain when you open and close your mouth. If you ever realized loss of enamel on the back of your upper teeth, stomach acid may be the cause of this. So if that is the case this may indicate bulimia. Crowns will be in need due to the loss of enamel which leaves the pulp and nerve exposed.
If you pass the teeth in your mouth and look at the gums and cheeks you can find more clues. If your dentist diagnosed you with periodontal disease, this is a huge indicator for diabetes, cardiovascular problems, and also respiratory diseases. Also, pay more attention to if your mouth is ever dry or if you have bad breath because these are signs of diabetes too. Doctors can also find signs of cancer from ulcerated lesions or tiny red hemorrhages with bleeding on your gums or inside your cheeks.
Another tell tale sign that something might be amiss with your health is your tongue. Smooth, bumpy, red, pink, wet or dry…all these signs have some kind of meaning when you are dealing with your tongue. A smooth, flat tongue or dark red patches on the underside of your tongue may be a sign of iron-deficiency anemia. If your tongue has red bumps or has some what of a strawberry texture to it, this may flag Kawasaki disease which is an inflammation of the blood vessels.
Candida albicans is a type of yeast infection that may be found on your lips. So, if you have cracked lips this can indicate this yeast infection. Swelling or lesions on your lips may be an early sign of an inflammatory bowel disorder called Crohn’s disease.
Your mouth is where the clues to your health are held. So let your mouth talk and tell you what is going on!
Coffee is delicious and the caffeine can be the only thing that gets you through the day. We understand! This post isn’t to tell you to quit drinking coffee, but to inform you about the effect it has on your teeth.
We want all Chicago area residents to know how to protect and maintain the health and beauty of their teeth, especially if they don’t have to drastically change their lifestyle. Smile Glen Ellyn is here to help you!
We’ve all seen glow-in-the-dark t-shirts, little kids shoes that light up when they walk, and even belts with flashing lights on them. But light up teeth? Two designers in Japan are doing just that to advertise a winter sale at their clothing store, Laforet Harajuku. Continue reading
The holidays bring joy this time of the year. It’s a time to gather with family, have fun and to enjoy yourself… but it is also a time to not forget about you. Holidays can make you stressed and get you out of your daily routine; this is something you need to try to avoid. It only takes one day of forgetting to make it a habit.
Try to maintain a regular sleep schedule. People who do not get enough sleep can have difficulty concentrating and performing mental or physical tasks. They can also become moody and irritable, which is not a great idea during those holiday parties. You want to be the life of the party… not the party pooper.
Always make sure you take your daily medication if you have any. With shopping, planning and guests it is easy to forget to do this. This may cause many health problems you do not want to have during this time of the year or any time of the year. Also if you take any type of medication do not forget that drinking alcohol while taking medications can offset their ability to function properly and can increase the side effects of the medications.
Watch what you are eating. Yes enjoy yourself but watch your portions, especially if you have any health problems like diabetes. While you are eating do not forget to do your daily exercise. Exercise combats health conditions and diseases, improves mood and boosts your energy. Even better it controls weight, so no one will be mistaking you for Santa Claus this holiday.
Brushing and flossing helps prevent tooth decay and bad breath. To enjoy the food this holiday season, and to keep your breath fresh while talking to guest, keep up with your brushing and flossing. A tooth ache is not considered fun in my book.
Daily health routines are something no one should forget to do. This holiday season try not to forget about yourself and keep up with your daily health routines, and start 2012 with a new New Year’s resolution.
Have a healthy holiday!!!
Dr. Gibbs has a tip to make your teeth look whiter in less than five minutes, just in time for your family Christmas pictures. How do we do it? With lipstick! (Sorry men, you’re out of luck this time!) The right shade of lipstick can make your teeth look whiter and brighter, and help your natural, healthy beauty shine through. Continue reading
