Have you ever wondered why your dentist recommends dental fluoride treatments with each dental cleaning? Maybe you have never considered this treatment as necessary. Today, we will discuss what fluoride is, it’s benefits, and why it is highly recommended for both children and adults. While some people seem to be immune from cavities, most dentists… Read more »
Problem: “My mouth doesn’t do a good job of crushing food. I’m having chewing difficulties, and it’s causing problems. For instance, I only want to eat alone because I may have to spit out food or have problems swallowing. I’m also concerned about digestion and nutrition; could this problem cause more serious issues for me?”… Read more »
Does weak enamel run in families? Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in your body. It protects your inner tooth (the dentin and pulp) from decay. Mature enamel consists of 96 percent minerals, 3 percent water, and 1 percent organic material. It is hard and tough, yet decay or caries remains a chronic disease in… Read more »
Most of you probably think there is not much more to know about cavities other than that they’re caused by eating too much sugar, they are a black hole in your tooth, they hurt, and you have to have them filled. But there is plenty more to know about tooth decay than that. Take our… Read more »
Do you have tooth pain? When it comes to your dental health, things are often more than they seem at first glance. For instance, what seems like a minor tooth stain might actually be a sign of an internal tooth infection. Likewise, what seems like nothing more than a minor toothache could actually be a… Read more »
Is it Decay Immunity or just good Cavity Prevention? Tooth decay is an international chronic infectious health disease in industrialized and developing countries, especially in young children. Early Childhood Caries (ECC) begins early in life, progresses rapidly, and causes immediate and long-term effects. People suffering from tooth decay can also suffer pain, lack of self-esteem,… Read more »
There is no secret, one time trick to keep your teeth healthy for life. A healthy mouth requires a lifetime commitment of routine care to protect your teeth and gums. What many people don’t realize, however, is that teeth also have their own protection. A protective layer that keeps the vulnerable inner tooth from being… Read more »
Wouldn’t it be great if your dentist could put a cavity repair gel on a cavity instead of drilling your teeth. If you have succumbed to cavities, then you are familiar with the process of getting them filled. Before filling the decayed tooth, your dentist will numb the area where the restoration will be placed…. Read more »
What helps cure your toothache when you don’t have a dentist? They usually develop when it is least expected, and when it strikes, it strikes! It may even go away for a period of time before it strikes again. What do you do to get rid of a toothache? Is there some way to relieve it… Read more »
Like any dental issue, the best way to protect your smile from a dental cavity is to prevent it from forming. With great hygiene, regular dental care, and close attention, you can do so easily. The reason why prevention is best is because once a cavity forms, it doesn’t stop progressing until you address it…. Read more »
At some point in your life, you may be faced with treating cavities by your dentist. As a product of tooth decay, which results from harmful oral bacteria, cavities are holes in your teeth that continue to grow larger until your dentist treats them. The good news is that, despite being one of the most… Read more »
Tooth colored fillings are popular because, as they’re name suggests, they blend in with teeth to remain completely discreet. Cavities are the most common dental health issue. Most patients appreciate being able to deal with them without having to deal with the metal appearance of traditional fillings. However, the benefits of bonding teeth go beyond… Read more »
Are you doing everything you can do to avoid dental cavities? Over the years, have you been diagnosed with more cavities than you’d care to admit? In fact, when you look at your smile, does it seem like there are more fillings than healthy strong teeth? If so, you may have set out to spend… Read more »
Do you think that you may have a tooth cavity? You hear the term “cavities” so often that, eventually, the weight of the word can lose some of its gravity. However, if you develop one, then the seriousness of what a cavity is and what it means for the future of your oral health can… Read more »
Bonded fillings are one of the most popular treatments in dentistry. Tooth colored composite resin fillings restore the health of your smile while offering a natural looking, aesthetic result. They are a cosmetic alternative to amalgam and are often used for elective cosmetic improvements. In this informative article, we’ll explore why bonded fillings are less… Read more »
Tooth decay impacts patients of all ages and will require restorative treatment. Otherwise, serious complications can arise, such as dental infections or abscesses. Fortunately, we can provide an artistic and cosmetic approach to restorative treatment. We can fix a cavity using lifelike fillings and crowns. Cavities are one of the most common dental problems on… Read more »
What is the best way of preventing cavities? In your quest to maintain a healthy smile, you may have already taken a look at your daily hygiene practices, and even increased your visits to the dentist for preventive care. However, if you have not taken a long, hard look at your diet, there are compelling… Read more »
Since you were a child you have heard that sugar is bad for teeth. It is true that sugars of all types break down in the mouth to become excellent food sources for the bacteria that lives there. It is the bacteria that causes cavities. If you care about maintaining a healthy and beautiful smile,… Read more »
Are you worried developing cavities? In particular, are you concerned about the health of your smile? Nearly 90 percent of adults develop cavities, and many school-aged children deal with them, as well. Fortunately, it is possible to prevent cavities. It just requires a combination of diligent hygiene and professional preventive care, as well as other… Read more »
When is the last time you had dental x-rays? Do you keep putting them off? Maybe it’s the expense. Maybe it’s the radiation, or maybe you just don’t think they are important. When you are considering whether or not to get x-rays, consider this…cavities commonly do not cause symptoms until they are so advanced they… Read more »
Many people enjoy chewing gum now and then. Many even chew gum after every meal to freshen their breath. There have been mixed reports regarding gum chewing. Some say chewing gum is good for your teeth. Others say chewing gum is bad for your teeth and can cause cavities. Gum chewing has been said to… Read more »
Do you brush before bed? It’s a very important time to brush if you don’t. Otherwise, everything from throughout the day sits in your mouth collecting bad bacteria. In today’s blog, your Lake Forest Dentist, Dr. Fondriest, discusses the need to brush your teeth before bed.
Are you struggling to help keep your family cavity free? Does it feel like no amount of hygiene, or healthy diet, is enough to keep bacteria from causing damaging acid erosion? It seems to some people that the benefits of xylitol are being overlooked. Considering that over 25 percent of American children from 2 to… Read more »
To many people, a toothache is a toothache. If it hurts, put ice on it until you get around to visiting your dentist. To the trained professional, or to someone who’s ignored his toothache long enough, the situation is more than just a nuisance; it’s a serious threat to good dental health. For instance, one… Read more »
Do you have cavities? You shouldn’t wait until your teeth or gums ache before visiting your dentist. Besides brushing and flossing your teeth twice every day, the American Dental Association (ADA) also recommends attending regular dental exams and cleanings at least once every six months. Ideally, good hygiene allows patients to prevent the formation of… Read more »
Are you experiencing tooth sensitivity to hot or cold drinks? Are you currently suffering from a chronic toothache? You may have a cavity. Tooth decay is a common, but serious, dental issue. Over time, cavities can even threaten the stability of your teeth and the appearance of your smile. Thankfully, Dr. James Fondriest, offers a… Read more »
Did you know that saliva helps your teeth stay healthy and bright? Did you know that saliva heals? Many people don’t realize the benefits of a lot of saliva. A dry mouth isn’t just an uncomfortable dental issue; a lack of saliva actually endangers your beautiful smile. Saliva prevents tooth decay and gum disease and it… Read more »
Do you chew sugar free gum? October might seem like the official candy month, with Halloween front and center, but did you know that it is also National Dental Hygiene Month? This year the American Dental Hygienists Association has partnered with the manufacturer of Wrigley gum to compile a month long agenda, the goal of… Read more »
Do dark, unsightly fillings in your mouth cause you embarrassment and hold you back when you want to show off your biggest smile or laugh with abandon? Tooth colored fillings are an excellent option to replace metal fillings and enhance your smile. Have you heard that the mercury in metal fillings can cause health issues,… Read more »
Do you celebrate a Truffle Day every day? Truffle Day was a day to celebrate the sweet confection invented in France in 1895. While we caution against the sugar and fat contents of truffles, new research points to evidence of dental health benefits from chocolate. You read correctly; chocolate benefits teeth. Chicago dentist, Dr. Fondriest… Read more »
Why are we getting cavities? Spring is a minefield of sweets and candy. With Valentine’s Day, Easter, cotton candy at the carnivals, and that long awaited day when snow cone stands reopen for business, you may find yourself overindulging in springtime treats. Sugar is often cited as the worst offender for your dental health and… Read more »
Does dark chocolate cause cavities? The consensus up until now has been that chocolate is bad for your teeth. It is high in sugar and sugar causes cavities, right? Wrong. Sugar helps cause cavities but it is not solely responsible. A number of factors come together to create tooth decay including sugar and pathogenic oral bacteria. Pathogenic… Read more »
Dental cavities are common. Even individuals who practice impeccable oral hygiene can still develop tooth decay. Left untreated, this condition can lead to discomfort and other serious long term problems. Fortunately, there are several treatments available to address the issue, including fillings, crowns, and other custom invisible dental restorations. In this article, we will discuss… Read more »
Do you brush before bed? Get home, check the mail, exercise, eat dinner, watch some TV or read, then shower, brush your teeth, and hit the sack. This is the routine for most Americans between 5 and 11 pm, Monday through Friday. It seems like a good routine. There’s a balance of exercise, fueling the… Read more »
What is plaque? Plaque is a sticky, yellow substance that naturally and constantly is forming on teeth. Plaque is made up of a complex microbial community with over ten billion bacteria per milligram. Each milligram contains approximately 400 different types of bacteria that produce acids. The bacterial products and acids combine with saliva to create… Read more »