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Naperville IL Periodontist | Top Five Ways to Keep Your Gums Healthy

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Our gums are a critically important part of our overall oral health. They keep our teeth in place while also protecting the bone and root underneath the crown. Unhealthy, receding, or diseased gums can create a host of serious complications for the rest of our mouths and even our bodies. Because of this, keeping your gums healthy and disease-free is one of the chief tasks of responsible oral health care. Here are the best ways to do that.

Brush Your Teeth

This is about as obvious as it gets. Brushing is how you clean your teeth, get rid of food particles, and minimize bacterial growth. Brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day also reduces the stress on your gums and eliminates potential causes of infection.

Floss

While brushing your teeth gets much more attention, dentists will tell you that flossing is equally important. Believe them. Floss gets to the foodstuffs that eventually turn into plaque, one of your gum’s worst enemies. By flossing daily, you’re loosening and removing the most important ingredient for plaque—which ultimately leads to tartar and gingivitis.

Mouthwash

The best kinds of mouthwash can supplement the work that brushing and flossing do. Look for therapeutic mouthwashes, which are embossed with the ADA seal. They do more than just rid you of bad breath. They help remove plaque and food particles, slow tartar buildup, and can aid in the prevention of gum disease.

Gum-Friendly Foods

While some foods—like sugary drinks and snacks—are highly detrimental to your oral health, others can actually improve the conditions in your mouth. Some of the most gum-friendly foods include carrots, apples, and celery. The chewing motion required to eat these snacks provides an excellent workout for your mouth, massaging your gums and stimulating saliva production. Carrots and apples also contain vitamins that help fight bacteria and fortify tooth enamel.

Dental Check-Ups

No matter how diligently you follow the previous four steps for promoting healthy gums, nothing will serve as a complete substitute for visiting the Periodontal dentist. Dentists and dental hygienists have the education, experience, and professional equipment to clean your gums in a way that just isn’t possible at home. Schedule your next appointment with Naperville Perio today to protect your gums and keep them healthy.

 

Naperville Perio
Phone: (630) 355-5010
10 W. Martin Ave, Suite 211
Naperville, IL 60540

Naperville IL Periodontist | Could Your Children Be Suffering from Gum Disease?

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While most parents may be focused on making sure their children’s teeth grow straight, and the upper and lower sets are in alignment with each other, they shouldn’t overlook the importance of their kids’ gums. Gums protect the roots of our teeth. In addition, they act as a critical barrier between them and bacteria that could otherwise lead to decay.

If your child’s gums are not healthy, then their oral health care is in jeopardy. It’s that simple. Here are some of the major telltale signs that he or she may be suffering from gum disease.

Regular Bleeding

It’s one thing for a child’s gums to bleed if he or she is flossing for the first time, or undergoing an intensive cleaning at the dentist’s office. But if your kid’s gums are bleed regularly—either from brushing, flossing, or even just eating certain foods—it’s a sign of gingivitis.

Receding Gums

If your child’s gums appear to be receding away from the teeth, toward the top or bottom of the mouth, he or she could be suffering from gum recession. Whatever the cause, receding gums can expose the roots of teeth and leave mouths more vulnerable to harmful bacteria.

Bad Breath

Bad breath isn’t just a crippling social inconvenience. It’s also a sign that something serious is going on in your child’s mouth that requires attention. Also known as halitosis, bad breath often signals bacterial buildup in the mouth, an infection, or a potentially more serious periodontal disease.

Swollen Gums

If a child’s gums are unusually sensitive and swell up easily, it’s a major indication of gingivitis. Gingivitis typically means that too much plaque has been allowed to build up at the bottom of the teeth’s crowns, near the root. The plaque buildup starts irritating the gums, which respond by turning red, puffy, and swollen.

Signs of gum disease in children should not be overlooked or ignored. While manifestations like puffy and bleeding gums do not necessarily point to an urgent condition, they do mean that your child is likely suffering from gingivitis.

Fortunately, gingivitis is a highly treatable condition. The best way to beat back symptoms of gingivitis and restore your child’s oral health care is by visiting the dentist. Naperville Perio has the equipment and expertise to remove all the bacteria, plaque and tartar and restore your child’s health. Contact Naperville Perio to schedule your next visit today

 

Naperville Perio
Phone: (630) 355-5010
10 W. Martin Ave, Suite 211
Naperville, IL 60540

Periodontist in Naperville IL | Gum Disease Risk Factors

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 Everyone can fall victim to gum disease. In fact, a recent CDC study found that nearly half of all American adults suffer from some form of it. A plethora of factors can increase our chances of developing gum disease. For those that already have the condition, these factors can lead to more serious periodontitis that jeopardizes overall oral health and may require dental intervention. Here are some of those factors.

Genetics

It’s now well established that genetics play a role in whether or not people develop gum disease during their lifetimes. This could be because their genetic makeup causes them to have weaker gum tissue, making it more vulnerable to plaque, tartar, and recession.

Teeth-Grinding

Bruxism is a condition in which people clench or grind their teeth either during the daytime hours or when they’re asleep at night. The condition puts a significant amount of stress on the tissue surrounding the teeth, and can trigger gum recession.

Old Age

Research shows that individuals age 65 and older are at a much higher risk for gum disease. The CDC has indicated that as many as 70 percent of Americans in that age range suffer from periodontitis.

Nutritional Deficiencies

The right kinds of vitamins and nutrients can positively influence the health of your gums. Foods like carrots, apples, and celery trigger the kind of chewing motion that massages the gums and produces healthy saliva.

Dry Mouth

People get dry mouth for a variety of reasons, including prescription medications, nicotine use, and certain health issues. Whatever the source of dry mouth, the condition is dangerous to gums. Saliva helps wash away much of the destructive bacteria that lives inside our mouths. If we’re not regularly washing our mouths with saliva, that bacteria rapidly accumulates.

While this list is far from complete, it can be used as a great starting guide for you to use. Whether or not you have any of these risk factors, you should always consult with your doctor about your oral health and how to best protect yourself. Be sure to keep up with your regularly scheduled appointments, and contact our Naperville Periodontal office today.

Naperville Perio
Phone: (630) 355-5010
Fax: (630) 355-4317
10 W. Martin Ave. Suite 211
Naperville, IL 60540

Naperville IL Periodontist | Three Brushing Habits Causing More Harm Than Good

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We’ve been hearing it for probably just about as long as we’ve had teeth. Brushing twice a day, every day is the best thing you can do for your oral health. But there’s far more to it than that. Brushing your teeth may have become a habit, but don’t let it be a bad one. You could be performing bad habits regularly- some of which you consider beneficial. But don’t fear, you can fix these bad habits easily if you know what they are.

You brush too hard

We didn’t think it was possible either. But too much pressure can actually damage your teeth and irritate your gums. If you regularly bully your mouth it may even lead to scratches and infections.

It’s easier to remove plaque than you may think. Surprisingly loose, its only when it hardens to tartar that it becomes difficult to remove. Instead of trying to powerwash your teeth, gently massage, think soft strokes and a gentle massage. Be nice to your mouth and it will be nice to you.

You share your toothbrush

SURELY, this goes without saying, but just in case: Do NOT share a toothbrush. Even if you sometimes share food and drinks with your partner. Even if you regularly kiss each other. It’s gross and you should feel bad.

When you share a toothbrush you open your body up to all kinds of germs that it isn’t prepared to handle. Toothbrushes can harbor the flu, pneumonia, HPV, and not to mention that bacteria that causes tooth decay – streptococcus mutans- a scary name for a scary thing. Maybe you can’t bear to be separated from your partner, but trust us, this is the one exception you should make.

You’re brushing too quickly

The average American brushes spends 45 seconds brushing their teeth. That’s less than half the recommended time. If you’re one of the jokesters that’s rushin’ the brushin’, you should know that when you do so you’re leaving behind countless germs and bacteria that are damaging to your oral health. Additionally, some of the ingredients in your toothpaste, like fluoride, need time to do their job. Fluoride isn’t going to help protect your enamel in only 45 seconds.

To continue learning about the brushing habits that could be causing damage to your oral health, make sure that you check back in with our blog regularly. In the meantime, if you want to keep your best oral health schedule your next appointment with our office today.

Naperville IL Periodontist | A Glass of Red Wine Keeps the Dentist Away

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If you read the title of this article and began to immediately pour yourself a glass of cabernet, there’s good news and bad news.

The good news is that red wine offers a host of potential health benefits, including keeping the brain young, promoting hormonal health and preventing heart disease. Recently, scientists from the Spanish National Research Council in Madrid found that exposure to compounds found in red wine can also help prevent bacteria from sticking to your gums. This bacteria, if left in your mouth, is directly responsible for plaque and tooth decay.

The compounds the researchers studied are called polyphenols and they can also be found in things like coffee, cranberry juice and other kinds of berries.

Despite the promising findings, you shouldn’t start looking for wine flavored toothpaste just yet. The chemicals used in the study were much more concentrated than they would be in wine and the exposure times lasted up to 47 hours. You may have more pressing concerns if you are able to drink for that amount of time.

Instead, the research done is a preliminary look into how these compounds might be used in the future as preventative medicines that would fight against oral diseases. For now, make sure you stick to regularly scheduled appointments with our team to keep your oral health in great shape. Contact our office today to schedule your next appointment.

Naperville IL Periodontist | Reap the Total Health Benefits of Brushing and Flossing

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Brushing and flossing are not only good for a fresh breath and a beautiful smile. As it turns out, there are advantages for your entire body as well. Below, we’ll take a look at some of the ways brushing your teeth can help you keep you healthy from teeth to toes.

Brushing and flossing can help with your overall body weight in some pretty unique ways. For example, good oral health decreases your risk of diabetes and also increases your chances of maintaining a healthy and nutritious diet. It’s hard to eat well when your mouth is in constant pain from poor health. Also, brushing acts as a natural signal for your brain that you are finished eating. Brushing can also burn up to 3,500 calories per year. Every little bit counts. 

For mothers, oral health is important not only for yourself, but also for that of your baby. Women with chronic gum disease can have an increased chance of premature births and low birth weights for their children. When pregnant, not only are you eating for two, but remember that you’re also brushing and flossing for two. 

Brushing and flossing are also great ways to keep your gums healthy. Recent studies have linked gum disease to cognitive dysfunction and even Alzheimer’s disease. Gingivitis was found to be connected to poor cognitive function and health throughout a patient’s lifetime.

While it certainly won’t replace regular exercise and a healthy diet any time soon, brushing your teeth can have a real impact on your wellness. To see the best results, be diligent in your brushing regimen and remember to contact our office and schedule your next appointment today.

Naperville IL Periodontist | Flossing or Waterpik? Which is Better for Your Oral Health

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Naperville IL Periodontist | Flossing or Waterpik? Which is Better for Your Oral Health

In 1962 the waterpik was first invented. Since then, people have been curious to know which is better for your oral health, regular flossing or water picking? Which one do dentists recommend? Before we skip directly to the answer, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each of the techniques.

Flossing

It may just seem like a boring piece of string, but it’s so much more. Flossing is a great way of removing food that is in between the teeth or below the gum line. It’s a very efficient method of doing so and it’s probably one of the cheapest things you’ll ever buy. Flossing is quick, easy, and you can get it done just about anywhere.

Unfortunately, in unpracticed hands, normal flossing can make it hard to reach some areas of the mouth. It can also cause minor bleeding, worsening or causing gum sensitivity.

Water Picking

Today, we’re more dependent upon our technology than ever before. The waterpik is a special machine that shoots a stream of water into the mouth, using pressure to massage the gums and push food away from your teeth. It’s incredibly easy to use, making it a great choice for people with braces or other types of dental work. The massaging effect can be a great benefit to gum health. Water picking is also easier to maneuver, getting to those hard to reach places that regular floss just can’t seem to reach.

However, Waterpiks can be expensive and clunky to store in your bathroom. It also requires access to electricity and clean water too, meaning that you can’t travel with it as well as you can with a handy pocket sized floss container.

The truth is, there really is no right answer as to which is the better flossing option. Depending on your needs and your circumstances, both are great options to get your flossing done. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Dentistry found that water picking reduced plaque by 74.4 percent while flossing only reached 57.7 percent. Water picking can also reduce your chances of gingivitis or bleeding gums when compared to traditional floss. However, many dentists still recommend string flossing as the best way to clean the gaps between your teeth.

Whatever you decide, our experienced dental team is here to help you maintain your oral health for life. Contact our office today to schedule your next appointment.

Naperville IL Periodontist | A Glass of Red Wine Keeps the Dentist Away

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If you read the title of this article and began to immediately pour yourself a glass of cabernet, there’s good news and bad news.

Naperville IL Periodontist | A Glass of Red Wine Keeps the Dentist Away

The good news is that red wine offers a host of potential health benefits, including keeping the brain young, promoting hormonal health and preventing heart disease. Recently, scientists from the Spanish National Research Council in Madrid found that exposure to compounds found in red wine can also help prevent bacteria from sticking to your gums. This bacteria, if left in your mouth, is directly responsible for plaque and tooth decay.

The compounds the researchers studied are called polyphenols and they can also be found in things like coffee, cranberry juice and other kinds of berries.

Despite the promising findings, you shouldn’t start looking for wine flavored toothpaste just yet. The chemicals used in the study were much more concentrated than they would be in wine and the exposure times lasted up to 47 hours. You may have more pressing concerns if you are able to drink for that amount of time.

Instead, the research done is a preliminary look into how these compounds might be used in the future as preventative medicines that would fight against oral diseases. For now, make sure you stick to regularly scheduled appointments with our team to keep your oral health in great shape. Contact our office today to schedule your next appointment.

Dental Implants Naperville | 3 Tips for Healthy Teeth and Gums

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Our experienced dental team wants to remind you that no matter how busy life gets, your oral health and wellness are equally as important. With that in mind, here are three easy tips to keep you out of the dentist’s chair and enjoying your life with beautiful teeth and gums.  

  1. Moderation is Everything  – The world is full of delicious food that we can’t wait to try. Unfortunately, some of that food can negatively impact your teeth and gums. Sugary drinks, such as lemonade, sweet tea, soda and alcoholic beverages have acids and sugars that can soften tooth enamel. Foods like corn on the cob and bone in meats not only stick in between teeth, but can also cause injury. Make sure to keep some floss handy. While it’s no fun to try and avoid all the sweets, neither is a painful toothache, so remember to limit your consumption of sugar. 
  2. Your Teeth Should Not Be Used as a Bottle Opener – We’ve all seen someone try it, or maybe done it ourselves. You struggle to open a bottle and in your haste to get back to the festivities, you use your teeth. But teeth aren’t meant for this purpose. This can leave you with a painful, broken tooth. While it may seem like a quick and easy solution, take a few seconds and reconsider. Your teeth are precious, don’t treat them like a tool.   
  3. Safety First – According to the American Dental Association, more than 200,000 oral injuries are prevented each year by wearing a mouth guard. Whether you’re a professional athlete, or play recreationally, it’s important to remember the proper mouth protection to make sure you keep your teeth.   

The best thing you can do for your oral health is to stick to your normal oral hygiene routine. Brush at least twice a day, floss daily, and be sure to schedule your next appointment with us to keep your teeth and gums healthy for all that life has to offer. 

Periodontist 60540 | Gums: The Foundation for a Healthy Smile

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Periodontist 60540

When people think of a healthy smile, they think of perfectly aligned white teeth. Many don’t realize that without healthy gums, your mouth and your body isn’t healthy either. Your gum and periodontal health is not something to take lightly, as it is the foundation for a healthy mouth.  

Gums Hold and Support your Teeth 

Your gums are what hold your teeth in place and allow you to bite and chew. Healthy gums attach to the root of the tooth and the tooth socket . The gum helps to protect the teeth and jaw bones from disease and physical damage. 

Gum Disease is Linked to Systemic Disease 

Your mouth is the gateway to your body. If you have a persisting infection in your mouth, other areas of the body are also prone to disease. Gum disease has been directly linked to heart disease, diabetes and stroke. If you have signs of gum disease, it is imperative to seek professional periodontal care.  

How to Know if your Gums are Healthy 

Healthy gums are colored light pink and are tight to the teeth. They shouldn’t bleed when you properly brush and floss. If you have any questions regarding your gums and oral health, please contact our office.