Chicago Pediatric Dentist – Your Oral Health & Alzheimer's Disease

What is Alzheimer's Disease?

Alzheimer's Disease is a progressive mental deterioration which leads to loss of neurons and intellectual abilities such as memory and reasoning. This can occur in middle or old age, and it hinders social and occupational functioning. Alzheimer's Disease is caused through a combination of hereditary, lifestyle, and environmental factors, affecting the brain over time and leading to brain shrinkage. Alzheimer's is a terminal disease, and while the average life expectancy after diagnosis is eight to ten years, some people may live up to twenty years with it.

Signs and Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease

The following are warnings signs to the onset of Alzheimer's Disease:

• Confusion with time or place
• Difficulty with problem-solving
• Loss of memory, specifically short-term memory
• Issues with spatial orientation and visual image comprehension
• Changes in mood and/or personality

The Link Between Oral Health & Alzheimer's Disease

Although studies have not yet yielded conclusive results, research suggests that there is a possibility that exposure to inflammation in the mouth can quadruple your risk of developing Alzheimer's. This inflammation can be caused through chronic periodontal disease, which your pediatric dentist Chicago says is a preventable risk factor. If this link is confirmed, scientists will have proven that the prevention of periodontal disease can also help to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's later in life.

What Does This Mean For You?

While the studies are still inconclusive, this link has the potential to further demonstrate the importance of maintaining good oral health for your overall well-being. Your pediatric dentist in Chicago highly encourages daily brushing and flossing in order to reduce the risk of periodontal disease and inflammation in the mouth. Additionally, regular visits to your Chicago pediatric dentist will help you to maintain a beautiful smile, as well as overall good health.

If you have any questions or concerns about your oral health, you should not hesitate to schedule an appointment with your pediatric dentist Chicago IL. Your dentist wants to help your beautiful smile to last a lifetime, especially since your oral health contributes to your overall health.

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Chicago Pediatric Dentist – Preventing Dry Socket

After having a tooth extracted by pediatric dentist Chicago IL, it takes time for your mouth to heal. You have just undergone a procedure that will benefit you in the long run, and you are looking forward to your once-again healthy smile. During the healing process, though, it is important to take certain precautions to avoid a condition called alveolar osteitis, or dry socket.

When you have a tooth extracted by Chicago pediatric dentist, a blood clot forms over the socket in order to keep the bone and nerves protected. Sometimes, though, this blood clot can become dislodged prematurely. If the mouth has not healed sufficiently at the time of the dislodging, the bone and nerves are exposed to air, liquids, and food, and dry socket occurs. It is an uncomfortable experience that can last for about five or six days.

While dry socket is definitely something to keep on your radar, it is an uncommon occurrence in most patients. Dry socket is most likely to develop within the first week or two after you have had a tooth extracted, and only about 2% to 5% of patients develop this condition. Still, the pediatric dentist in Chicago IL recommends the following precautions in order to prevent this from happening to you.

First, you should avoid intense exercise for at least 24 hours after the extraction. It is important to rest up and avoid excessive movement while your mouth begins to heal. Your pediatric dentist in Chicago also recommends that you avoid drinking through a straw for at least a week after receiving an extraction. The suction from the straw could cause the blood clot to dislodge. Additionally, you should avoid spitting in order to reduce the risk of dry socket. After the initial 24 hour period, you should begin gently rinsing with warm salt water about four times a day in order to remove any food particles in the area.

Although some patients have a greater risk of developing dry socket than others, all patients can avoid this condition by closely following after-care instructions from the pediatric dentist Chicago.

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Pediatric Dentist Chicago - Caring For Dental Implants

If you have received a dental implant from pediatric dentist Chicago, you have invested both time and money into the future of your smile. It is important to protect this investment in order to maintain good oral health. There are certain steps you should take after undergoing a dental implant procedure in order to care for your mouth.

After the procedure, your mouth might be tender at first. This tenderness only lasts about ten to fourteen days. Your Chicago pediatric dentist recommends a diet of warm soup, soft foods, and cold foods during this time. Additionally, you should refrain from smoking. Although the healing time for a dental implant tends to vary depending on the patient and the situation, it generally takes between two and four months for your mouth to fully heal after receiving a dental implant. You will not experience discomfort throughout this period, though.

Once your mouth has healed, caring for an implant is very similar to caring for a natural tooth. Although an implant cannot develop a cavity, it can still undergo the same wear-and-tear as a normal tooth. When not maintained properly, there is a risk for peri-implantitis to occur, which is similar to periodontal disease. However, this is easily preventable through regular check-ups, as well as daily brushing and flossing.

In order to maintain good oral health, it is important to continue to regularly visit your pediatric dentist in Chicago. Your dentist can clean the areas that you are unable to reach. Additionally, your pediatric dentist in Chicago IL will be able to check the surrounding gums and bone to ensure that they are healthy.

As always, your pediatric dentist Chicago IL recommends thorough brushing and flossing on a daily basis. Paying attention to your oral hygiene will ensure that your implant survives. If you continue to maintain good oral hygiene, your implants can last a for the rest of your life without a need for replacement.

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Pediatric Dentist in Chicago - Dental Emergencies

Accidents happen all the time. Teeth get knocked out, fillings or crowns fall out. But when dealing with any type of discomfort, pain or injury to your gums or teeth, it is important to take care of the issue immediately. Be sure to contact your pediatric dentist chicago with any dental issues or concerns you may be having. If left ignored, you are potentially putting yourself at risk of further damage that may need more extensive care and treatment later on. Below, is a brief guide to help you cope with some of the most common dental issues as you make your way to the dental office. As always, be sure to consult your pediatric dentist in Chicago IL first about any dental issues you are having.

Toothaches: If you notice any discomfort or sharp pain from your teeth, be sure to try and clean it as best you could first. Be sure to floss and rinse your mouth thoroughly with warm water and see if the pain goes away. Apply a warm washcloth on the outside of your cheek if you notice any swelling. If you do notice that your mouth or gums around the tooth is swollen, or if you have a fever then you may have an affected tooth that needs immediate attention. Be sure to see your Pediatric Dentist Chicago IL immediately if any of these symptoms occur. Your dentist can help recover your tooth and relieve any pain or discomfort you may have so be sure not to wait any longer than 2 days to see your dentist.

Tooth Loss: Loosing a tooth for a child is normal and happens all the time, however if the tooth was lost during an accident, be sure to see your Pediatric Dentist in Chicago immediately. Your dentist will be able to determine how to restore or salvage your lost tooth. If you are able to retrieve your lost tooth, be sure to hold it by the crown (not the root) and rinse it off thoroughly with warm water without scrubbing. Then if you are able, try and place the tooth back in the place or put it in milk until you are able to see your dentist.

Lost Crown: Loosing a crown can be very painful because it exposes the tissue of your tooth to air and temperature causing extreme amounts of sensitivity. If you loose a crown, be sure to contact the Chicago Pediatric Dentist immediately and if you are able, bring the crown with you to the dentist. To help you relieve any pain or discomfort as you make your way to the dentist, use a cotton ball and apply clove oil which can be found at your local drug store to the sensitive area. If you have the crown with you, you can also apply it back on your tooth temporarily, as you make your way to your dentist. Before doing so, be sure to rinse the crown thoroughly first. You can then apply the crown back on your tooth by adding dental cement, tooth paste, or denture adhesive to the inside of the crown.

The Chicago IL Pediatric Dentist only wants to help relieve any pain or discomfort you may have or help restore your smile, so be sure to contact your Pediatric Dentist Chicago first before handling any dental issues on your own.

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Pediatric Dentsit Chicago - Teeth Grinding

Everyone from time to time tend to grind or clench their teeth. Teeth grinding or clenching, also known as Bruxism, can be caused by anxiety, stress, or misaligned or crooked teeth. However, if grinding or clenching occur frequently, then it could lead to other serious dental health issues.

Most of the time, people don’t realize that they grind their teeth because it generally happens at night which is known as Sleep Bruxism. However, if you experience constant headaches or pain on your teeth or jaw, then you may have Sleep Bruxism. Be sure to consult your Pediatric Dentist Chicago if you suspect that you grind or clench your teeth at night or have any of these symptoms. Your pediatric Dentist Chicago IL would be able to asses your teeth and jaw for any abnormalities.

If teeth grinding happens frequently, then you are more susceptible of developing other dental health issues. With frequent grinding and clenching, it can wear down the surfaces of your teeth causing you to require restorative treatments such as crowns, dental implants, or root canals. Also, with teeth clenching, you are more prone to affect your jaw and your jaw muscle contractions which can lead to jaw pain and earaches. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms be sure to contact your Pediatric Dentist in Chicago.

To help you stop grinding your teeth, your pediatric Dentist in Chicago il would be able to provide you with variety of solutions. Your chicago pediatric Dentist can help fit you with a mouth guard to help protect your teeth while sleeping. Also, if you are experiencing high stress or anxiety, be sure to mention that to your dentist. Cutting back on caffeinated beverages, alcohol, or gum chewing can also help reduce the habit of teeth grinding. If you have any questions about teeth grinding or clenching, be sure to contact your Chicago IL pediatric Dentist or set up an appointment for a consultation.

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Chicago Pediatric Dentist - Diabetes and Your Oral Health

There are nearly 26 million Americans who have diabetes. Diabetes is a group of diseases that affects how your body uses blood glucose, or blood sugar. Glucose is very important because it provides energy for your body and brain.

People who live with diabetes are two times more likely to develop gum disease. This is because diabetes makes the body more susceptible to bacterial infections. Gum disease develops gradually which is why it important to see your pediatric dentist Chicago regularly to prevent gum disease from occurring or getting worse.

Tooth Decay: People with diabetes are more prone to tooth decay because diabetes is associated with dry mouth and low saliva production which promotes bacterial growth. Naturally, everyone has many forms of bacteria coating their teeth, which creates plaque. When you eat sugary or starchy foods, the plaque begin to release acid that attacks the enamel of your teeth. The more sugar you consume the more acid is released. Over time, the enamel of your tooth will break down resulting in cavities.

Early Gum Disease: Diabetes lowers your resistance to infection and slows down your healing process. Because so, you are at a higher risk of developing gum disease. When plaque isn’t removed promptly, it will harden and turn into tartar. Once tartar starts to build up and irritate the gum lines, you will produce an early form of gum disease known as gingivitis. With gingivitis, your gums will become inflamed and tend to bleed easily. Once gum disease is prevalent, only your Pediatric Dentist in Chicago il can help to maintain the disease and prevent it from progressing.

Periodontitis: If gingivitis is left untreated, the infection becomes more serious and moves from your gums to the soft tissue and bone structure of your teeth. This more serious condition is called periodontitis. Having periodontitis can result to tooth loss and increases your chances of stroke or heart attack. Also with periodontitis, it can make diabetes harder to control. Be sure to consult with your Chicago Pediatric Dentist for periodontitis solutions.

Maintaining proper oral hygiene every day can help you reduce the risk of developing gum disease. It is important to remember that living with diabetes requires a lot of special attention to your health, including oral health. Be sure to see you Pediatric Dentist in Chicago regularly to help prevent gum disease from progressing. Also, it is important to notify your dentist that you have diabetes so that they will be able to better assist you.

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Chicago Pediatric Dentsit - Sweet Tooth

October is finally here and soon approaching, is Halloween. As much as the Chicago Pediatric Dentist would love for patients to choose healthier options for Halloween treats, it is inevitable that they will choose to eat candy and sweets. So the Chicago IL pediatric Dentist has provided you with a few tips on how to keep a healthy smile for you and your family this Halloween.

The Negative Effects of Candy

As delicious as candy can be, it can have a negative effect on teeth. When you eat sweets, it coats your teeth with a clear sticky substance called plaque which contains bacteria. The bacteria in plaque feeds off the sugar you consume and creates acid which attacks your teeth after you eat. Over a period of time, this can result in tooth decay, cavities and even tooth loss.  

With a regular trip to your Pediatric Dentist Chicago, you should be able to prevent tooth decay from progressing. But if cavities do form, be sure to see the Pediatric Dentist Chicago IL right away to prevent any additional damage that can occur to your tooth or to relieve any discomfort you may feel.

Healthy Teeth Tips for Halloween:

Here are a few suggestions for keeping yours and your family’s teeth healthy this Halloween season:

1.      To your basket of candy, mix in some Halloween-themed pencils or stickers. You will be surprised to see how many children choose these items over candy.

2.      When enjoying candy, try to avoid the gooey or chewy ones that can linger on teeth after eating.

3.      After eating candy, try to brush or rinse your mouth with water to remove any leftover sugar in the mouth. The bacteria in the mouth can attack your teeth up to 20 minutes after consumption, which can lead to tooth decay so it is important to remove it as soon as possible.

4.      After the first day of receiving candy, try to get rid of any leftovers. Eating candy once every day can really affect the health of your teeth and increase the amount of attention they need to be cleaned.

Overall, it is important to practice proper oral care. Children usually follow the footsteps of those who set positive healthy habits so be sure to talk with your children about the importance of practicing a twice-a-day brushing and flossing routine. Your Pediatric Dentist in Chicago can also provide different options to help keep your child’s teeth healthy, such as dental sealants or fluoride rinses. If you have any questions about maintaining a healthy and clean smile for you or your family, be sure to contact your Pediatric Dentist in Chicago IL for more information.

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Chicago Pediatric Dentist - Stained Teeth

Many people want a smile they can be proud of and one way to achieve a dazzling smile is to have pearly white teeth. However, in order to maintain a bright smile, the pediatric dentist Chicago says you should be mindful of the types of things you consume. Because of certain factors, some foods or beverages can create harsh stains on your teeth that over time can be difficult to remove.

When considering foods that can stain teeth, be sure to look out for dark pigments. Some foods or beverages stain teeth because they have an intense amount of pigmented molecules that the Pediatric Dentist Chicago call chromogens. These chromogens latch on to dental enamel and cause your teeth to become discolored.

Another thing to look out for is foods or beverages that are very acidic. Acidic foods and beverages can cause staining by eroding the dental enamel which temporarily softens teeth and makes it easier for chromogens to latch on.

One rule of thumb for determining whether or not what you’re eating will stain your teeth is to determine if it will stain your white table cloth or carpet. Some of the main foods or beverages to consider would include, wine, coffee, cola, berries, sauces (such as soy sauce, curry sauce, or tomato sauce), and sweets. Also another main culprit for staining teeth is smoking or chewing tobacco.

Even if you consume dark pigmented or acidic foods, just know that there are a variety of options to help you achieve a pearly white smile. One option that can help prevent stains on your teeth would be to brush and floss twice-a-day. To brush more effectively, be sure to ask your Chicago Pediatric Dentist about electric tooth brushes. The electric toothbrush gives you the ability to clean your teeth and to help remove any stains or residue more thoroughly. Also be sure to ask your Chicago IL pediatric dentist about teeth whitening treatments that can be provided in office or at home.

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