There are constantly new and improved dental treatments due to advances in dental technology. If you had a root canal several years ago, the way your treatment was performed may have changed. New and improved techniques are always being developed to decrease chair time for the patient and make things faster, easier, and less uncomfortable…. Read more »
How A Tooth Decays | Causes, Prevention
Tooth decay is a chronic problem among children in the United States, but children are not the only ones who suffer from decay. The tooth decay process can strike any one at any age. A commonly held belief is that sugar causes tooth decay, but sugars are not the direct cause of decay. Sugars attract… Read more »
Nervous Habits That Can Destroy Your Teeth
Bruxing, the grinding and clenching of your teeth due to stress, tension, worry, or a number of other reasons can probably be considered a nervous habit if that is why you do it, but another nervous habit that can destroy your teeth is nail biting. Not only is nail biting unsanitary, but it can be… Read more »
Adult dental health
Did you know that nearly one-third of American adults have untreated tooth decay. Tooth decay can be painless and unable to detect in its earliest stages accept with dental x-rays or during a dental exam. By the time the cavity becomes painful it is usually at a point where it may need more complex treatment… Read more »
What Is Osseointegration?
Osseointegration Osseointegration is a biological process referring to the integration of metal with bone. Once the titanium post is inserted into the bone, it begins to form a strong, permanent bond similar to the natural root of a tooth, as the bone cells attached themselves directly to the titanium surface “locking” the post into the… Read more »
The Oral Systemic Connection
Improving oral health has become a leading health goal due to the oral systemic connection. Extensive research has linked the condition of our oral cavity to the condition of our overall health; meaning that you need to take good care of your mouth in order to have a healthy body. The lack of proper oral… Read more »
We Can Give You A Healthy Mouth
There was a time when you would brush, floss, and gargle because you wanted white teeth and fresh breath. Today, you brush, floss, and gargle to maintain your health. Not just your oral health, but your overall health. Research has determined that your oral health affects your overall health and those people suffering from periodontal… Read more »
What Is A Cosmetic Dentist?
Dental treatments that improve the aesthetics and function of a patient’s gums, teeth, or bite are considered cosmetic dentistry. Your regular general dentist provides preventive dentistry to keep your teeth and gums healthy which includes a thorough oral examination, a professional dental cleaning, and x-rays. A true generalist dentist might do other treatments that commonly are… Read more »
The Art of Teeth Whitening
When you think of teeth whitening it probably seems rather easy. You’re not thinking about how many shades whiter, what shades actually exist in reality, or how they even measures shades of whiteness. It’s important to realize that there is no way to know how white a person’s teeth can become. The outcome of teeth… Read more »
Dental x rays | Why Dentists take X Rays
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 »
How the Golden Proportion is used in Dentistry
Your smile is important. Not only does a nice smile make you feel good about yourself, it affects the public’s perception of you. People with a great smile are perceived as more intelligent, more successful, friendlier, more outgoing, more honest, more brave, more, more, and more. A healthy, esthetic smile can get you more job… Read more »
Depression Drugs linked to Dental Implant failures
You’ve heard the saying “You are what you eat,” well, that goes the same for medications. You are what medicines you take, and some of them have side effects that are still unknown. For people with implants or who may be considering an implant, the following information may be helpful. Doctors remain aware of the… Read more »
Stomatitis
Do you have stomatitis? Would you know if you did? Although it may sound like it refers to your stomach, stomat is actually Greek for “mouth.” Stomatitis is a catch-all term for a sore or inflamed mouth. It can occur anywhere in your mouth including on your lips, tongue, inner cheeks, your hard or soft palate, and your… Read more »
Bisphosphanates and jawbone infections | Is Your Jaw Safe
Bisphosphonate treatment for osteoporosis is becoming popular. Unfortunately, having jawbone infections while taking bisphosphanates is dangerous. This medicine doesn’t cause infections. The medicine makes it difficult to fight an infection that has already started. One side affect of using this medicine is decreased capillary flow in your bones. A decreased blood flow reduces a person’s… Read more »
Swapping Spit: Is It Safe To Kiss Your Canine?
Swapping spit with a dog will give you a good share of dog germs. Will it hurt you? That’s what kids call kissing now-a-days. And that is exactly what you are doing when you kiss. You swap spit, and bacteria that is in your spit. In fact, you can swap over 80 million bacteria in… Read more »
Healthy Eating for your teeth
The holidays are a very special time of year. Family, fun, food, lights, decorations, Christmas music, does it get any better? Don’t pay for your holiday fun with dental woes. Watch that food table and all those snacks and sweet holiday goodies. In fact, you can begin your New Year’s resolution right now by avoiding… Read more »
Chewing Gum can be good for your Teeth
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 »
Developmental disabilities and dental health
Many adults with developmental disabilities cannot tend to their own dental needs and therefore require assistance from caregivers. Research has shown that somewhere there is a disconnect between the caregivers of adults with developmental disabilities and the at home dental care that adults with developmental disabilities receive. Because of this there has been a call… Read more »
Pancreatic Cancer and Gum Disease Linked
If you’ve been keeping up on the developments with periodontal disease and other health problems, then you probably won’t be surprised to find that periodontal disease may also be linked to pancreatic cancer. So far periodontal disease has been linked to a host of other chronic illnesses including heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, high blood pressure,… Read more »
Endocarditis from Dental Treatment
Before 2008 it was required of certain patients to take antibiotics before dental treatment. It was thought that dental treatment would cause endocarditits. This was to help protect them from a rare but very serious infection of the heart lining called Infective Endocarditis. Before invasive treatments that might leak harmful bacteria which can travel to… Read more »
Gum Disease Linked To Kidney Problems
Periodontal disease is definitely earning itself a bad reputation. Not only has it been linked to high blood pressure, heart disease, dementia, and even impotence in men, and recently gum disease linked to kidney disease. Dr. Fondriest, explains the recent study linking periodontal disease and kidney disease.
Periodontal Disease And Impotence
Men beware, not only has periodontal disease been linked to many systemic health problems including diabetes, heart disease, and stroke, it has been linked to impotence as well. So if you are a man looking for a reason to take better care of your teeth and gums, don’t wait to make a New Year’s resolution…start… Read more »
What not to do with dentures
Do you wear dentures? If so, do you wear them to bed? Recent research tells us that if you do, you’re not doing yourself any favors. Wearing dentures to bed can have ill effects on your oral and physical health. In today’s blog, your Lake Forest Dentist, Dr. Fondriest, explains why denture wearers should beware.
Brushing with Baking Soda
Baking soda is a household product that has many uses at home. It can eliminate smells and clean carpets. Baking soda can be found in many toothpastes and teeth-Bleaching products. Using it to remove stains from teeth is common practice. When mixed with lemon juice or hydrogen peroxide, it does an excellent job at removing… Read more »
Childhood Cavities
As soon as you thought you knew everything there is to know about childhood cavities there’s more. Childhood cavities or caries is a chronic and infectious disease in young children and mostly seen in minority and poor populations. Caries is tooth decay, and ironically is common and widespread among children in the U.S. despite the… Read more »
Implant planning | Digital Guided Surgery Technology
Placing implants is a precise and complicated process. while we pre-plan the entire process, we actually do not do the surgical part of placing the implant. Today’s technology and equipment can make placing implants controlled and cosmetically more able to replicate a natural tooth. In today’s blog, Dr. Fondriest, explains how digital implant technology makes it… Read more »
Smoking with gum disease
Everyone knows smoking is detrimental to your health. Many don’t know that smoking is the main cause of gum disease. It causes cancer, heart disease, and lung disease. But not many people may know that tobacco use can cause periodontal disease. How much do you know about tobacco use and periodontal disease? Take your Lake… Read more »
Brush Before Bed?
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.
Gums Bleed When Brushed | Why?
If you only floss occasionally then it is usually normal that your gums bleed when brushed. Hopefully at least they then consider flossing more. When there is bleeding with brushing, most people brush their teeth less vigorously. This is actually usually the wrong thing to do. It may be that you actually don’t know how… Read more »
Porcelain on Metal Crowns | Strong and Esthetic
If you have a damaged tooth via accident or decay, there are many treatment options available to save it. There are minimally invasive and more invasive options depending on the case. Extreme decay and accident would probably require a more invasive treatment. In today’s blog, Dr. Fondriest discusses one option: Porcelain on Metal Crowns. What are… Read more »
Cancer Treatments and Your Oral Health
Did you know that cancer treatments can have an adverse affect on your oral health? Your oral cavity is a balance of good and bad bacteria and if that balance is disrupted, which cancer treatments can do, it can cause problems with your oral health. Side affects from the cancer medications as well as common… Read more »
How do porcelain veneers differ from crowns?
Be honest, how do you feel about the appearance of your teeth? For many people, teeth stains and other cosmetic imperfections dull their smiles. To help patients obtain a stunning smile, two solutions are commonly employed, porcelain veneers and crowns. Both dental procedures can alter the appearance of your teeth in as little as one… Read more »
Artistic smiles | Design Your Smile Artistically
Fixing some front teeth with crowns is one thing but creating artistic smiles is quite another. Whitening your teeth brightens your smile, braces straighten your smile, but smile design revamps your whole smile. An artistic smile design can make your dreams for a beautiful Hollywood smile come true.
News About Oil Pulling
Many people like to use all natural ingredients and home remedies for aches, pains, illnesses, and health care. Natural is always better, but does natural always work? There are many home remedies that have been proven to work, others not so much, and still others that we remain skeptical about. Today your Lake Forest Dentist,… Read more »
Best Toothpastes that most dentists recommend
What is the best toothpaste? A search on the internet is likely to turn up around 200 results for different types of toothpastes you can easily purchase. With so many types, brands and flavors to chose from, how can you know which is best toothpaste for your oral health? In years past, consumers could simply… Read more »
Intrinsic and Extrinsic Tooth Stains
When you look at your teeth you may think you are seeing the color of your enamel, and you are. Your tooth color, however, is a combination of your enamel, which is semi-translucent, and the color of your dentin. So if you thought your teeth were looking a bit shabby and you decided to whiten… Read more »
Identification by teeth
If you watch detective shows like CSI, Law and Order, or Criminal Minds you already know that a corpse can be identified by dentition. Not only can we tell who the murder victim is, but now we can tell where they came from. With new technology, we can learn many things from a person’s teeth…. Read more »
Does Malocclusion Cause Headaches?
Do you get frequent headaches? Headaches are a common malady. One in every eight Americans suffer recurring headaches. According to research, 80 percent of those headaches are caused by muscular tension. But did you know that your tension headache may be coming from your teeth and jaw? Today, we discuss how your teeth can be… Read more »
Heart Disease and Oral Health
It has been theorized since the 1920’s that heart disease and oral health are linked. Recent research has indicated links not only between heart disease and oral health, but between oral health and diabetes, hypertension, lung infections, and dementia. Although the links are not perfectly clear, research continues to try to narrow down specifics as… Read more »
Replacing Mercury Fillings | Should my silver fillings be removed
Must all silver amalgam fillings which contain mercury be replaced? Has your dentists suggested replacing all of yours? This is a hot button issue among dental professionals in the U.S. Is there enough mercury in silver amalgam fillings to cause illness? Are there facts that prove mercury leaches from silver fillings and causes illness? If… Read more »
Dental Care for Diabetics
Proper oral health care is important for diabetics. Substantial research has shown that high sugar levels associated with diabetes can contribute to oral health issues, and that periodontal disease can contribute to diabetes. Today, your Lake Forest Dentist, Dr. Fondriest, discusses dental care and diabetes.
Reasons for tooth extraction
Sometimes the answer to that question is yes, regardless of all of the dental treatments available today. The most common tooth extraction is wisdom tooth removal, but other reasons for tooth extraction include tooth trauma, crowding, and disease. Your dentist will consider all options available before settling on tooth extraction as the treatment of choice…. Read more »
Dental Bite Relationships | Do You Have a Bad Bite?
Do you have a bad bite? Very few people are born with a perfect dental bite, what dentists call The Biological Dental Model. The Biological Dental Model is based on the perfect human model. It was not designed by man. Only about 30 to 40 percent of the population has a perfect bite. Today, Dr…. Read more »
Oral Health of Ancient Humans
Although modern man is highly advanced in technology, medicine, and the dental arts, the oral health of today is worse than oral health of ancient humans. Although you, as everyone else, would like to believe that modern man has the best oral health in human history, it’s not true. If you’re wondering why, read on.
Diagnosing the tongue: A Window To Your Health?
Feeling lethargic? Under the weather? Stick out your tongue. Your tongue is one of the most under-appreciated and overlooked organs in your body. A tongue is truly a fascinating thing. Not only does it consist of eight muscles that run in all directions so your tongue can move in the many unique ways it does,… Read more »
Foods Bad for Your Teeth
Food provides your body with essential vitamins and minerals to keep you healthy. Certain foods are bad for your teeth and others are considered better. Some are just empty calories while others can provide energy, brain power, or protect you from illness. Although you may not often give it a thought, food affects your teeth… Read more »
Vitamins For Gum Health
Do you take vitamins for your gum health? There are various reasons people choose to take vitamins. Some take vitamins to keep their minds sharp, some take vitamins for energy. Women who are expecting are prescribed vitamins to keep them and their baby healthy. Has it ever occurred to you to take vitamins to keep… Read more »
Oral Health Affects Overall Health
Your dentist has been well trained on the oral-systemic connection. Mouth microbes can enter the bloodstream and affect other areas of your body. Your body is made up of many different systems. But no one system exists in and of itself. Each system is dependent on the others. For instance, your brain (nervous system) tells… Read more »
Xylitol and cavities | Benefits of use
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 »
Periodontal Disease | Risk Factors, Treatments
Other than tooth decay, periodontitis is the leading threat to dental health. Numerous studies have indicated a link between dental health, mental health, and your overall health. Poor oral health has been associated with heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and lung infections. In the old days when no links to systemic issues were know, tooth… Read more »
Dental Problems of Seniors
Do seniors automatically have more dental problems? As you age you probably don’t think about how your body is changing. Okay…that’s not true. You notice your aches and pains, but did you realize that your teeth and gums are aging too? You need to take special care of your body as it gets older, and… Read more »
Gum Disease in Women
Women tend to be caretakers. They take care of their children, their husbands, their parents, stray animals, even their children’s friends. If there is someone to take care of, they often do it. Research shows that women also take better care of their teeth than men. Women have less gum disease than men. This can… Read more »
Full Mouth Rehabilitation | Restore you mouth
Have you been lazy about your dental care and after years you’re seeing the effects? Maybe you have suffered an illness, or been on medications that have played havoc on your teeth. You may be familiar with cosmetic dentistry treatments such as veneers, dental implants, tooth whitening, etc., and you may think that they are… Read more »
Dental Genetic Risk And How It Affects Your Oral Health
DNA is an amazing thing. That is an understatement. Your DNA can tell you what diseases you may be at high risk for so you can take action before they develop. Therefore, your DNA may save your life, prolong your life, or at the very least, provide a better quality of life. For instance, women… Read more »
Father’s Day: Love Dad, Love His Gums
It has been estimated that 64 million Americans-almost half of the adults in the Unites States-are suffering from periodontal disease. Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is on the rise due to our aging population. It occurs more in mid to later life because it takes time to develop. An interesting fact, according to one Ontario… Read more »
Conservative Porcelain Veneers | Minimally Invasive Dentistry
Conservative porcelain veneers are playing a major role in high end cosmetic dentistry. There was a time when only movie stars and politicians could afford this type of cosmetic dentistry. Pictures of their before and after smiles were amazing, and often sent waves of envy through the average Joe. Nowadays, cosmetic dentistry is available and… Read more »
Personalized Smile Design | Details of facial analysis
Be sure to go through a personalized smile design process before having a makeover. When you think about cosmetic dentistry in general, you may have a vague idea that you can come in, talk with us about treatments, and make your smile look significantly more impressive than it does at this very moment. What may… Read more »
Dentistry with less drilling: Something To Smile About
Doing dentistry with less drilling is good for you! It is no secret that many people dread going to the dentist. It takes courage and trust to allow someone to scrape and poke inside your mouth. And what if they find that you need a filling, or worse, a root canal? Many of today’s dentists… Read more »
Allergy medications affect dental health
Allergy medications will affect dental health. Aeroallergens exist indoors and outdoors, and spring is ripe with pollen and allergy inducing fungi. Airborne spores and other fungi may originate in fields, forests, agricultural crops, flowers, or grass. Because they are light, sticky, and plentiful, they are easily transferred into homes, offices, and cars. Impossible to get… Read more »
Mouth Swishing | Gargling
Have you heard about the oil pulling craze? Basically, it’s using oil as a mouth wash. It may seem “out there” but swishing oil in your mouth for 20 seconds is beneficial to oral health. Research shows oil pulling can significantly reduce plaque, gingival bacteria, and aerobic microorganisms found in plaque. Sesame seed oil, sunflower,… Read more »
Implant bridges | The most stable of bridges
To say something has room for improvement doesn’t necessarily mean that it isn’t an effective solution. For instance, a dental bridge is a highly-effective means of replacing a lost tooth. They can be used to replace more than one tooth if there is enough support from the surrounding teeth. When 3 or more teeth are… Read more »
Do You Need A Dental Crown?
“I don’t have any tooth pain. Why do I need a crown?” This question is frequently posed to dentists. Basically, the reasons for needing a dental crown are to protect teeth that have been weakened by decay, fracture, or a large, old filling that has failed. In some situations, decay has done so much damage… Read more »
Types of toothaches | Patient’s Guide to Tooth Pains
There are many types of toothaches with many causes. If you pinch your tooth, it wouldn’t hurt like pinching your arm does. Good thing, too, considering how much pressure your teeth experience every day. The reason for their insensitivity lies in the composition of your teeth, which includes a thin, but super-resilient layer of mineral… Read more »
What is Oral-Systemic Health?
Aside from hygiene product commercials and visits to the dentist, you may not hear much about oral health. The lack of conversation about it, however, doesn’t accurately reflect the fact that most people have one or more serious dental issues to deal with. In fact, in the United States alone, over 90% of adults have… Read more »
Why Gums are Vital to Your Dental Health
The tops, or crowns, of your teeth may be the most visible parts, but they’re only a portion of the structures that make up your smile. The bottom halves of your teeth, called the roots, are surrounded by a soft, pink layer of tissue known interchangeably as periodontal tissue, gingival tissue, or, more commonly, your… Read more »
Things that stain teeth
There are many things that stain teeth. In many cases, teeth whitening won’t work. Depending on the nature and severity of the stains. Your teeth are comprised of a dense, porous, bone-like substance called dentin, which is surrounded by a semi-translucent material known as enamel. Though dentin dictates the color of your tooth, enamel is… Read more »
Tooth wear that is heavier than normal
Do you have heavy tooth wear? You can’t exactly control yourself when you’re asleep. Though this doesn’t usually pose a problem, there are some things you might unconsciously do that could cause harm to your teeth and other oral structures. Bruxism, or the habit of grinding and clenching your teeth, typically affects patients in their… Read more »
TMJ related pain
Diagnosing some dental conditions takes a little more detective work than others. For instance, a cavity’s presence can be betrayed by the visual signs of decay (i.e., internal tooth discoloration, a visible hole in your tooth, and/or a severe toothache). Gum disease is usually detected by inflamed, bleeding, and receding gums (to varying degrees, depending… Read more »
How to Replace Your Teeth
Technically, your permanent teeth should last a lifetime. Realistically, however, that isn’t always the case. Tooth loss can affect anyone, given the right circumstances. With its astounding prevalence (statistics show that 69% of adults aged 35-44 have lost at least one permanent tooth), you might wonder if tooth loss is preventable at all. By understanding… Read more »
Imperfect Smile | Is it time to learn what is available?
Every smile is unique, and very few of them are naturally perfect. Teeth are prone to stains and discoloration, and thanks to a wide range of varying factors, they can also chip, crack, break, leave odd spaces between each other, or otherwise detract from your smile’s cosmetic appeal. Fortunately, with the advanced techniques and materials… Read more »
Oral bacteria | Culprits that Cause Dental Diseases
Have you ever stopped to consider what the greatest threat to your smile is? It might be traumatic impact from a fall. If you smoke or chew tobacco, then it might be the chemicals your mouth is exposed to through the habit. In most cases, however, the greatest threat to your dental health is something… Read more »
Popping Jaws – Do your jaw joints click or pop?
If you are one of the millions of people who suffer from jaw joint problems, then clicking or popping jaw joints may be a daily occurrence. For many people, the sensation can be uncomfortable, and perhaps a little disturbing. For others, it may be a barely-noticeable annoyance that doesn’t seem to warrant any serious concern…. Read more »
Fixing a broken tooth
Although protected by the most resilient substance found within the human body, your teeth aren’t indestructible. In fact, teeth crack and break all the time, which begs the question, just how strong are they, really? The answer is “very strong” if you take proper care of them, meaning more than just brushing and flossing your… Read more »
The Teeth Whitening Guide
Does your smile light up the room when you flash it? Or do you prefer to not show your smile because you’re embarrassed by stained or discolored teeth? The good news is that teeth stains are usually cosmetic, and don’t necessarily mean that your smile is in trouble. More good news is that, as cosmetic… Read more »
Systemic diseases from gum disease
Are you worried about gum disease affecting you at some point in your life? Did you know that there are many systemic diseases associated with and caused by gum disease? If you haven’t already, there’s a good chance that you might, considering that gum disease affects over 70% of adults in the United States today…. Read more »
How to Know if Your Tooth is Abscessed
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 »
Clenching risks | Affects your muscles, joints, teeth
What are the risks of constant clenching. Your teeth resist stress every day with biting and chewing your food. For some people, that pressure is multiplied by constant clenching and grinding. The habit of clenching your teeth may not produce any symptoms. Or it in combination with bruxism may wear down your teeth enough to… Read more »
Dental Reactions to Overwhelming Stress
You might recognize a headache, tense back muscles, and an upset stomach as telltale symptoms of stress and anxiety, but can you recognize how the condition affects your dental health? Stress is considered one common cause of tooth grinding. One of the most common indications of prolonged tension is bruxism, or habitual teeth-grinding, which can… Read more »
Technological improvements in Dental Implants
Have you been thinking about getting dental implants and wondered about the technological improvements happening? The beauty of dental implants is that they are safe and improve conventional replacement teeth’s feel and function. There have been many improvements in design and performance. Scientists in Japan and China believe so, and their research suggests a special… Read more »
Imagine a Candy that Fights Cavities!
For a lot of people, the thought of candy automatically invokes thoughts of cavities, and with good reason. Loaded with sugar and sometimes acidic substances, candy is a common contributor to cavities—the holes that form in your teeth when they’re infected with harmful bacteria. Your mouth is an ecological wonderland, with over 600 different identifiable… Read more »
Your Personal Guide to curing halitosis
Talking about curing halitosis is not a taboo subject, but if you suffer from it chronically, you may be less apt to talk about it. Not only does the topic hit close to home, but conversing with people at all might be embarrassing if they catch a waft of your malodorous breath. Nevertheless, speaking about… Read more »
What are Dental Crowns Made Of?
Dental crowns are among the oldest and most popular dental restorations today. A dental crown can improve a smile’s appearance, reinforce its structure, protect it from damage, and in some cases, replace a tooth that’s lost or has to be extracted. Considering the prevalence of dental diseases and damage, there’s a good chance that you… Read more »
Danger of Oral Bacteria
You might recognize how poor oral hygiene can affect your everyday life. Cavities can cause to severe toothaches, gum disease can lead to tooth loss if not treated, and the excessive gathering of bacteria can chronically foul your breath. What you might not realize, however, is how neglecting your teeth and gums to lead to… Read more »
Cracked Tooth | A Detailed Look
If you’ve sustained an injury to the face or mouth, habitually grind your teeth, or cracked or fractured a tooth from trauma or for any other reason, it might immediately become sensitive. The toothache can warn you that your tooth is in danger and prompt you to seek appropriate treatment. However, not all tooth cracks… Read more »
Tooth Sensitivity | Causes and Treatments
Normally, you shouldn’t have tooth sensitivity other than the pressures of biting and chewing. The outer layer of your teeth, called enamel, is the most resilient substance your body produces. It is designed to seal off and protect the inner parts of your teeth. Teeth roots, which aren’t covered by tooth enamel, are protected by… Read more »
Missing Tooth Roots | Tooth Loss and Dental Implants
Tooth loss is a significant problem for many adults, and though it occurs often, the truth is that losing even a single tooth can have devastating consequences for your smile. If you’re already missing one or more teeth, then you may be familiar with the feeling of wanting to hide your smile to conceal its… Read more »
Whitening treatment
Do you want a smile that will light up a room? If so, teeth whitening may produce the effect you desire. Teeth whitening treatment is often effective in removing stains and brightening teeth multiple shades. As a result, patients who undergo whitening treatment tend to experience renewed self-confidence. Just imagine having a beautiful set of… Read more »
Cavities
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 »
Tooth gnashing | How it affects your dental health
Even when patients diligently brush and floss their teeth, certain habits like tooth gnashing can cause significant dental problems. For example, habitually gnashing teeth can wear down a tooth’s natural defenses, leading to a host of dental problems that can destroy your smile. Clinically known as bruxism, habitual teeth grinding is more common than many… Read more »
General Dentistry from Lake Forest Dental Arts
How often do you visit the dentist? Regular dental care is crucial for maintaining a healthy and beautiful smile. Without routine dental care, your smile may become susceptible to a number of serious dental problems, including tooth decay, gum disease, and even TMJ disorder. At Lake Forest Dental Arts, we provide the latest in quality… Read more »
Transform My Smile with Cosmetic Dentistry
A perfect smile can instill confidence and make a great first impression. In fact, according to a recent Kelton Research study, people with beautiful smiles are considered both more attractive and successful. The study went on to reveal that for many Americans, a smile is one of the first things they notice when meeting someone… Read more »
Do You Suffer from TMJ Disorder?
Did you know that TMD disorder, or TMJ, affects over ten million people in the United States alone? Jaw strain that results in TMJ disorder can lead to a number of uncomfortable symptoms. Without treatment, TMJ disorder may make eating and even yawning difficult. Fortunately, Dr. James Fondriest, offers the experience and knowledge necessary to… Read more »
Dental Makeover – For a sophisticated smile
Have you been considering a dental makeover? A person’s smile dominates their facial appearance. Even with a lifetime of diligent dental hygiene and regular visits to the dentist, visual blemishes can still appear and diminish a patient’s confidence. While many cosmetic issues don’t threaten a patient’s health, their appearance may indicate more trouble than the… Read more »
Consequences of Gum Disease and How to Prevent It
Gum disease is one of the most widespread dental health issues in adults today. It is also the leading cause of adult tooth loss in the United States. Gum Disease Overview The danger of gum disease isn’t due to the fact that gum disease is difficult to detect or hard to treat. On the contrary,… Read more »
A Discussion on Baking Soda and Teeth Whitening
Improving the look of your smile is as important today as optimizing its health. That importance is due in part to the many benefits that a confident smile can bring your health and quality of life. It is also due to the fact that many of the issues that mar your smile’s appearance also create… Read more »
Stress Management to Control Teeth Grinding
Management of your teeth grinding Our last post explained the basic symptoms and solutions of bruxism, or grinding teeth. In this post, Dr. James Fondriest, a Lake Forest IL dentist specializing in jaw pain, explains how stress contributes to bruxism and outlines steps you can take to control and prevent teeth grinding. Bruxism is a… Read more »
What is bruxism and what damage does it cause?
Many people clench and grind their teeth occasionally, which causes little harm. However, frequent teeth grinding, medically called bruxism, can damage teeth and lead to other health complications. Many people suffer with bruxism without even realizing it. Stress, anxiety, an abnormal bite, and misaligned teeth are some reasons people grind and clench their teeth. Because they are… Read more »
Symptoms of TMJ
You may not think that an abnormality in your bite could cause many problems, but the truth is, a misaligned bite could be a symptom of a more serious problem. TMJ, or temporomandibular joints, refers to the two small joints that attach your lower jaw to your skull, and when these joints do not function… Read more »
Upgrade your smile with porcelain veneers
Upgrade Your Smile with Porcelain Veneers Smile improvement is a combination of science and art. Cosmetic dentistry is the branch of dental care that focuses on improving your confidence in your smile by erasing embarrassing blemishes and revamping your smile’s overall appearance. However, maintaining excellent dental health also relies largely on preserving as much healthy… Read more »
Yellow Teeth | Causes, Treatment options
A quick peek at your photo album or those family portraits on the wall offer a heartfelt and sometimes amusing trip down memory lane. You might wonder what possessed you to get that haircut or wear that much eye shadow. You might also find yourself pining for those days when fewer lines creased the corners… Read more »