Dentist - Oak Park
7020 W North Avenue
Chicago, IL 60707
708-386-6517
773-745-5555
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DR. JEFF's BLOG
Posts for: August, 2011
Sometimes tooth damage can be caused by the most unlikely of sources. Recently a man complained to his dentist that his teeth were extremely sensitive, were rapidly picking up stain, and actually losing enamel. After much research, the culprit was found – his swimming pool!!
It seemed that he had a daily swimming routine in his backyard pool but didn’t take the time to monitor the chemicals properly. This led to the pool water having a higher than normal acid content, resulting in severe dental damage.
According to Dr. Leila Jahangiri, chairwoman of NYU College of Dentistry Department of Prosthodontics, “Improperly maintained pool chlorination can cause rapid and excessive erosion of dental enamel. It is a difficult balance to maintain home pools properly. Proper pool chlorine and pH levels need to be monitored and maintained on a weekly basis.”
The fact is, we always need to be careful about things which can negatively affect our dental health. Many foods, including healthy fruits and vegetables, are high in acid content. And of course candies, sweets, sodas and sports drinks are loaded with sugar. These foods are all waiting to do a full out assault on your teeth!
Medications and other factors which can cause dry mouth are also playing peril with your dental health. And now it seems even a swimming pool can do your teeth harm!
We care about you, your teeth and gums, and your overall health. Please make sure to brush several times per day, especially after exposing your teeth to potentially harmful substances. And don’t forget to floss either! (If you are not sure how to use dental floss or can’t do it comfortably, be sure to ask one of our friendly team members for instructions!)
Most importantly, don’t forget that your regular dental visit is not “just a check-up” – it’s a crucial part of your overall health care.
If you have any questions about this or any other issue, we are here for you! Please give us a call at 773-745-5555. And this summer, please enjoy your fun outdoor activities such as swimming – but don’t forget your pearly whites!
The suitcases are packed, the car is loaded, the dog is at the kennel – and it’s time for summer vacation!! There is no better time for relaxing at the beach, exploring a fascinating city, or enjoying the outdoors. Being miles away from home always makes it less stressful and more fun too!
But being miles away from home means that you are also far from us – your favorite dental office! And while there is no way to prevent a dental emergency from happening while you are away from home, there are a few items you can bring on vacation to make things more pleasant should an emergency situation arise. You can even throw them together into a cosmetics bag and make your own “Dental Emergency Kit!”
Here are some items to include:
Pain relief: Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, or generic) is usually safe and effective to use for minor dental discomfort.
Lost filling or crown: “Dentemp One Step Filling Material” is good temporary solution for replacing a crown (cap) or protecting an area exposed by a lost filling. This is available at most drug stores and on the internet.
Broken denture: “The D.O.C. Denture Repair Kit” works as a short term measure to adhere a lost denture tooth or repair a cracked denture. Also available at drug stores and online.
Lost tooth: Carry a prescription medicine vial. Should an accident occur and an adult tooth is lost with the root intact – DO NOT clean or handle the root. Place it in the medicine vial along with some liquid (preferably milk) and seek dental attention immediately.
Food or other item stuck between teeth: This can be a very uncomfortable situation, so be sure to have dental floss on hand to remove any item stuck between teeth. Hey – you should be carrying dental floss anyway!!
Cuts on gums, lips or tongue: Clean gauze or cloth. As with bleeding anywhere on the body, pressure with a clean gauze or cloth is the first line of treatment. If bleeding does not stop, seek medical attention immediately.
For many minor dental irritations of the teeth, gums and mouth, a good old-fashioned warm salt water rinse can give temporary relief. We are not fans of medication like Anbesol Gel as there are many side effects and over usage can harm the mouth tissues.
So there you have it – your very own travel dental emergency kit! The most important thing to remember is that all of the solutions presented here are temporary in nature. Should any emergency arise, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible.
At the office of Dr. Jeff Blankshain, we are always here for you, even if you are far away from home. If you have any questions about a dental emergency or anything else dental related, please give us a call at 773-745-5555. Have a safe, healthy summer vacation, and don’t forget to brush and floss!
Do you ever feel like your mouth and The Sahara Desert have something in common?
If so, you are not alone. Over 25 million Americans suffer from dry mouth. And it’s not just the discomfort of dry mouth (called “xerostomia” by dentists) that is the problem; it is often accompanied by trouble chewing and swallowing, difficulty in speaking, a rise in dental cavities and gum disease, and most noticeably to some, bad breath. If people act like there is a fire drill taking place every time you open your mouth this could be the culprit!
So why do so many of us have what is often referred to as “cottonmouth”?
According to The Food and Drug Administration, over 400 medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, can lead to dry mouth. It’s also caused by mouth breathing, dehydration (drink your water!!), and lack of salivary flow due to aging. In rare instances, dry mouth may be caused by an underlying serious disease – so it is not something to take lightly.
Of course our good old friends (actually enemies) – excessive alcohol consumption and smoking are among the leading causes of this problem, so if you need another reason to put away the cigarettes for good and cut down on the booze, now is a great time!
There are several things you can do to help reduce the symptoms of dry mouth, including:
- Chewing a sugar-free gum containing Xylitol
- Drinking plenty of water
- Breathing through your nose instead of your mouth (easier said than done!)
- Frequent brushing and rinsing with a fluoride toothpaste and mouth rinse
- Using a room vaporizer to humidify the air in your home
- Using an over-the-counter saliva substitute
Since dry mouth can also be a sign of a serious illness AND cause an increase in cavities and gum disease, excellent oral hygiene and regular dental visits are a must. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please call us immediately at 773-745-5555 for an appointment or visit our website at www.youroakparkdentist.com. Your health is important to us and we are here to help you.