Colonial Dental Group Cosmetic Dentistry Blog - Dooley, Lewis, and Quezada
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Tooth Decay (Caries) In Young Children
What is Dental Caries?
Dental caries is an infectious disease that causes rapid tooth decay in children. This infection can be incredibly destructive and cause irreversible damage if not caught in time. Basically, the caries infection causes cavities to form and damage teeth in a short amount of time. Thankfully, if the dental caries condition is caught before deep cavities are formed, the infection can be treated and the condition reversed.
Causes of Caries
Bacteria hiding on tooth surfaces are responsible for causing the acid that results in a rapid break down of tooth enamel. Carbohydrate or sugar-rich foods are where these bacteria originate. Basically, if the food or drink particles are not rinsed properly, these bacteria can do damage. The Mutans streptococci is the bacteria that causes dental caries.
Who is at Risk?
Frequent intake of sugary sodas are known to have negative effects on children's teeth, including increasing their risk of developing dental caries.
How to Protect Your Child
It is crucial that children receive dental care from an experienced pediatric dentist at an early age in order to avoid the destructive effects of dental caries.
Your child's first dental evaluation should occur within 6 months of the eruption of the first primary tooth.
If you'd like to learn more about the effects of tooth decay on children, send me an e-mail.
Dental caries is an infectious disease that causes rapid tooth decay in children. This infection can be incredibly destructive and cause irreversible damage if not caught in time. Basically, the caries infection causes cavities to form and damage teeth in a short amount of time. Thankfully, if the dental caries condition is caught before deep cavities are formed, the infection can be treated and the condition reversed.
Causes of Caries
Bacteria hiding on tooth surfaces are responsible for causing the acid that results in a rapid break down of tooth enamel. Carbohydrate or sugar-rich foods are where these bacteria originate. Basically, if the food or drink particles are not rinsed properly, these bacteria can do damage. The Mutans streptococci is the bacteria that causes dental caries.
Who is at Risk?
- Children who eat or drink carbohydrate or sugar-rich food or drink frequently
- Children who drink from bottles or sippy cups before bed
- Children with cavities
- Children with low fluoride levels
- Children with poor oral hygiene
- Children with an unhealthy diet
Frequent intake of sugary sodas are known to have negative effects on children's teeth, including increasing their risk of developing dental caries.
How to Protect Your Child
It is crucial that children receive dental care from an experienced pediatric dentist at an early age in order to avoid the destructive effects of dental caries.
Your child's first dental evaluation should occur within 6 months of the eruption of the first primary tooth.
If you'd like to learn more about the effects of tooth decay on children, send me an e-mail.
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Monday, January 28, 2008
Bad Breath Related To Obesity
Want better breath? Lose a few pounds!
You may be aware of the common causes of bad breath - eating pungent foods, forgetting to brush and floss, skipping the dentist, tobacco, and others. Now there's a new potential cause of bad breath. In December of 2007, researchers at Tel Aviv University published a study showing a direct link between obesity and bad breath. The study also is the first one to provide scientific evidence that alcohol consumption can cause bad breath.
Whether or not obesity is a direct cause of bad breath is undetermined. The study primarily identified a link between the two, meaning that those who are overweight may be more prone to having bad breath. One of the scientists on the study suggested that the extra pounds may be reflective of a poor diet, and that poor diet can cause dry mouth, one of the primary causes of bad breath. And while bad breath may seem like just an inconvenience, it can be a sign of a more serious problem or disease.
Fortunately for many bad breath sufferers, the condition is usually treatable. Many dentists now are promoting bad breath treatment that starts at the source - usually the culprit is lingering bacteria in the mouth that causes the breakdown of food particles and gives off volatile sulfur compounds.
Send me an e-mail to earn more about bad breath, the causes of bad breath and available treatment options.
You may be aware of the common causes of bad breath - eating pungent foods, forgetting to brush and floss, skipping the dentist, tobacco, and others. Now there's a new potential cause of bad breath. In December of 2007, researchers at Tel Aviv University published a study showing a direct link between obesity and bad breath. The study also is the first one to provide scientific evidence that alcohol consumption can cause bad breath.
Whether or not obesity is a direct cause of bad breath is undetermined. The study primarily identified a link between the two, meaning that those who are overweight may be more prone to having bad breath. One of the scientists on the study suggested that the extra pounds may be reflective of a poor diet, and that poor diet can cause dry mouth, one of the primary causes of bad breath. And while bad breath may seem like just an inconvenience, it can be a sign of a more serious problem or disease.
Fortunately for many bad breath sufferers, the condition is usually treatable. Many dentists now are promoting bad breath treatment that starts at the source - usually the culprit is lingering bacteria in the mouth that causes the breakdown of food particles and gives off volatile sulfur compounds.
Send me an e-mail to earn more about bad breath, the causes of bad breath and available treatment options.
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Sunday, January 27, 2008
Lasers In Dentistry
Laser technology is not just the wave of the future, it is the state-of-the-art solution to many modern day problems. Laser dentistry is expanding at a rapid rate, with lasers that can do everything from deep cleaning to cavity removal, gum recontouring, endodontic therapy, decayed tissue removal, and more.
Lasers have replaced cutting tools in many facets of dentistry. They offer so many benefits, including:
Soft tissue laser dentistry is one way laser technology is helping patients get the care they need. With lasers like the SIROLaser, patients can reduce the appearance of "gummy smiles" as their dentists recontour the gum tissue for a more balanced look. The lasers use small pulses of light to vaporize tissue with no bleeding, reduced pain and no need for sutures.
E-mail me to find out more about how lasers have improved cosmetic dentistry treatment options.
Lasers have replaced cutting tools in many facets of dentistry. They offer so many benefits, including:
- No cutting
- No bleeding
- Enhanced patient comfort
- More thorough tissue or bacteria removal
- Extreme precision
- Enhanced safety and reduced risk
- Minimized pain
Soft tissue laser dentistry is one way laser technology is helping patients get the care they need. With lasers like the SIROLaser, patients can reduce the appearance of "gummy smiles" as their dentists recontour the gum tissue for a more balanced look. The lasers use small pulses of light to vaporize tissue with no bleeding, reduced pain and no need for sutures.
E-mail me to find out more about how lasers have improved cosmetic dentistry treatment options.
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Saturday, January 26, 2008
Most Popular Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures
When it comes to cosmetic dentistry, there are so many procedures out there. How do you know which one will give you the results you are looking for?
You can start by examining the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures and learning why they are getting so much attention these days.
What treatments are people choosing?
In progressive cosmetic dentistry practices throughout the United States, the smile makeover is quickly gaining popularity. The smile makeover is actually a personalized treatment made up of a combination of cosmetic dentistry procedures. The treatment combinations are different for each patient and depend on your enhancement needs. By combining a few treatments into 2 or more office visits, patients can see dramatic improvements in the form of a more attractive smile appearance.
Let's look at the individual treatments that are getting the most requests:
First, consider your objectives. Then, choose an experienced cosmetic dentist who not only offers a wide variety of state-of-the-art treatment options, but also offers the qualities you want in the areas of financing, personal care, experience and results.
To find out more about your smile makeover options, e-mail me for more information
You can start by examining the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures and learning why they are getting so much attention these days.
What treatments are people choosing?
In progressive cosmetic dentistry practices throughout the United States, the smile makeover is quickly gaining popularity. The smile makeover is actually a personalized treatment made up of a combination of cosmetic dentistry procedures. The treatment combinations are different for each patient and depend on your enhancement needs. By combining a few treatments into 2 or more office visits, patients can see dramatic improvements in the form of a more attractive smile appearance.
Let's look at the individual treatments that are getting the most requests:
- Tooth whitening - Whitening has been popular for years, but it seems to be getting extra attention now that whitening technology has stepped up a notch. It is now possible to get dramatic whitening results, 8 or more shades brighter, in about an hour's time.
- Porcelain veneers - Porcelain veneer technology has also greatly improved in recent years. Often referred to as "instant orthodontics," porcelain veneers allow you to see a great smile improvement in only two visits. The porcelain material is affixed to the front surfaces of teeth and looks just like natural enamel!
- Porcelain fillings and porcelain crowns - Metal fillings and crowns are things of the past. Porcelain is the material of choice when it comes to smile appearance. It is strong, durable, natural-looking and can last many years with good care. Porcelain fillings and crowns are the new high standard in cavity treatment, and they can also be used when a tooth has been weakened due to physical injury or outdated metal dental work. And, with CEREC technology, these can be made while you wait in as little as ten minutes.
- Dental bonding - Dental bonding is a conservative, flexible, and affordable solution when it comes to smile improvement. Cosmetic dental bonding allows the dentist to repair a variety of tooth imperfections, including breaks, chips, cracks, spacing issues and discoloration
First, consider your objectives. Then, choose an experienced cosmetic dentist who not only offers a wide variety of state-of-the-art treatment options, but also offers the qualities you want in the areas of financing, personal care, experience and results.
To find out more about your smile makeover options, e-mail me for more information
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Thursday, January 24, 2008
Bad Breath Causes/Treatments
If you avoid conversations up close due to insecurities about your breath, you are not alone. Bad breath is one of the most common dental problems, but, luckily, the solution could be a simple one.
Bad Breath? Talk to the Dentist.
You might not think to visit the dentist for a problem like chronic bad breath. But the truth is that some dentists actually deliver bad breath treatment.
Causes
Most causes of bad breath actually originate in the mouth. Bacteria left hiding in the grooves of the tongue or teeth breaks down particles of food and emits what is referred to as VSCs, or volatile sulfur compounds. These VSCs are to blame for the embarrassing odors. And, of course, eating garlic and onions can be part of the problem.
Treatments
When we treat bad breath, we go after the lingering bacteria creating the VSCs. Eliminating these bacteria could be as simple as intensifying your home care routine. Or, it may involve replacing outdated dental work that has created places for the bacteria to hide that are unreachable with a toothbrush and floss.
Here are a few other possible bad breath treatment options:
Gum, mints and mouthwash are not bad breath treatments! They only mask the problem. An experienced bad breath dentist can help you get to the root of bad breath to eliminate the condition for good.
If you're struggling with bad breath and want to learn more about bad breath treatment options, send me an e-mail.
Bad Breath? Talk to the Dentist.
You might not think to visit the dentist for a problem like chronic bad breath. But the truth is that some dentists actually deliver bad breath treatment.
Causes
Most causes of bad breath actually originate in the mouth. Bacteria left hiding in the grooves of the tongue or teeth breaks down particles of food and emits what is referred to as VSCs, or volatile sulfur compounds. These VSCs are to blame for the embarrassing odors. And, of course, eating garlic and onions can be part of the problem.
Treatments
When we treat bad breath, we go after the lingering bacteria creating the VSCs. Eliminating these bacteria could be as simple as intensifying your home care routine. Or, it may involve replacing outdated dental work that has created places for the bacteria to hide that are unreachable with a toothbrush and floss.
Here are a few other possible bad breath treatment options:
- diet changes
- tongue scraping
- plaque removal
- gum disease treatment,
- cavity removal
- antimicrobial rinses
Gum, mints and mouthwash are not bad breath treatments! They only mask the problem. An experienced bad breath dentist can help you get to the root of bad breath to eliminate the condition for good.
If you're struggling with bad breath and want to learn more about bad breath treatment options, send me an e-mail.
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Wednesday, January 23, 2008
In Office vs. At Home Tooth Whitening
If you are self-conscious about the color of your teeth, cosmetic tooth whitening may be the perfect solution.
Over-the-counter or professional whitening?
With all of the whitening technology out there, you are sure to find a solution that fits your whitening needs as well as your budget. Most people who are thinking about whitening will ask me, "What's so different about professional whitening?" They wonder why they can't just spend a lot less for an over-the-counter whitening kit. The first thing I tell them is, "You get what you pay for." These easy access whiteners are allowed to be sold to the general public because of the small concentrations of active ingredients. They work to an extent, but the effectiveness or longevity of the results are very unpredictable.
Is laser whitening the wave of the future?
I encourage my patients to take advantage of our laser whitening treatments for the simple fact that I've seen the treatment work time and time again. I believe it is the quickest, most effective way to whiten your teeth under professional supervision. I've seen some of my patients whiten 10 shades or more in just one sitting - now that's what I call results!
Whiten in the comfort of your home.
For those patients who like more control over their whitening results, or who simply don't have the time to sit in the office for treatment, I recommend our at-home whitening kits. Much more potent than the kits you'll find at your local drug store, our at-home kits contain high-concentration whitening solutions, custom mouth trays, and a treatment plan outline that will lead you step-by-step to a brighter smile.
An experienced cosmetic dentist can help you choose the perfect whitening solution for your unique needs. If you want to learn more about tooth whitening and your options, send me an e-mail.
Over-the-counter or professional whitening?
With all of the whitening technology out there, you are sure to find a solution that fits your whitening needs as well as your budget. Most people who are thinking about whitening will ask me, "What's so different about professional whitening?" They wonder why they can't just spend a lot less for an over-the-counter whitening kit. The first thing I tell them is, "You get what you pay for." These easy access whiteners are allowed to be sold to the general public because of the small concentrations of active ingredients. They work to an extent, but the effectiveness or longevity of the results are very unpredictable.
Is laser whitening the wave of the future?
I encourage my patients to take advantage of our laser whitening treatments for the simple fact that I've seen the treatment work time and time again. I believe it is the quickest, most effective way to whiten your teeth under professional supervision. I've seen some of my patients whiten 10 shades or more in just one sitting - now that's what I call results!
Whiten in the comfort of your home.
For those patients who like more control over their whitening results, or who simply don't have the time to sit in the office for treatment, I recommend our at-home whitening kits. Much more potent than the kits you'll find at your local drug store, our at-home kits contain high-concentration whitening solutions, custom mouth trays, and a treatment plan outline that will lead you step-by-step to a brighter smile.
An experienced cosmetic dentist can help you choose the perfect whitening solution for your unique needs. If you want to learn more about tooth whitening and your options, send me an e-mail.
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1775 Glenview Rd.
Suite 107
Glenview, Illinois 60025-2969
