Custom oral appliances alleviate symptoms caused by a number of conditions, including bruxism, sleep apnea, TMD, and more. Your dentist can fabricate a mouth guard that fits snugly over your teeth, providing maximum protection and comfort. In this article, we’ll explore the value of a custom mouth guard and explore topics such as: Bruxism, or… Read more »
Metals in dentistry are used to create a variety of restorations, from fillings and crowns to bridges and dental implants. Not all metals are created equal. Some are biocompatible, which means they aren’t harmful to living tissue. In contrast, some metals can be detrimental to health over time. Here, we’ll explore some of the most… Read more »
Did you know that there isn’t just one type of mouthwash? In fact, some mouthwashes have a specialized purpose and require a prescription for purchase. In other words, not all mouth rinses were created equal, and this blog is meant to explain the key differences. To teach his patients about the types of mouthwash, Dr…. Read more »
Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing once a day are certainly important steps to keeping your smile beautiful, but it’s also important to schedule professional dental cleanings and checkups every six months. Our Lake Forest dentist Dr. James Fondriest wants you to know the benefits of regular dental preventative care examinations and how… Read more »
Mouthwash seems like a magical fix all. If you are too tired or lazy to brush your teeth, mouthwash can be a quick fix. After all, it is easy, tastes good, and leaves you with fresh breath — but is mouthwash good or bad for you? Some say good because it can help fight plaque… Read more »
Are you searching for ways to cure bad breath? When your mouth odor is noticeably bad, it can be a seemingly endless source of embarrassment. When it doesn’t go away, that embarrassment can turn into worry about what may be causing your condition. While bad breath is sometimes no big deal (such as after eating… Read more »
Is your breath less than fresh when you wake up in the morning? Or worse, is your breath is bad throughout the rest of the day despite brushing and flossing. Mouth odor in the morning is normal and natural. A buildup of oral bacteria is the cause. Yet, after brushing away those bacteria, any lingering… Read more »
Cosmetic dental bonding is a simple and common way to improve the look of your front teeth. Bonding is typically used to close spaces between natural teeth, replace worn enamel, re-shape crooked or misaligned teeth, repair broken teeth, and cover stains that tooth whitening treatments cannot remove. While white fillings work well and looks great,… Read more »
Most dental patients only talk about the topic of dental plaque with their dentists. What they might not realize is that dental plaque has positive qualities, as well as downsides. If you have never considered the role that dental plaque plays in keeping teeth healthy, read on to discover some interesting facts that most individuals… Read more »
Symptoms of broken tooth are sometimes difficult to distinguish from symptoms of other dental health issues. For instance, like bruxism or TMJ disorder, cracked tooth syndrome causes sensitivity to extreme temperatures. For example, eating ice cream, or drinking hot coffee may produce an aching sensation in your teeth. In severe cases, breathing hot or cold… Read more »
Today we’d like to pay homage to the world’s greatest poet and playwright – William Shakespeare. Sadly, Shakespeare died at the age of 52. Today, this is considered tragically young, but in the 17th century, the average male lived to age 47. Poor hygiene and inadequate medical knowledge meant that disease ran rampant, and this… Read more »
Your teeth are the most used parts of your body. Therefore, they need to be strong in order to accomplish their duties without being worn down or damaged. They also need to remain strong enough to repel harmful oral bacteria and food particles that could lead to tooth decay. Today, we take a look at what… Read more »
There are many types of replacement teeth, which one is perfect for you? Like all dental restorations, a dental bridge is tailored to your unique needs and preferences. The highly lifelike dental prosthesis is made to replace a lost tooth in a way that restores your smile’s appearance and your bite’s function without being obvious…. Read more »
Are you a fiercely competitive person, when on a court, field, or in any other athletic arena? If so, you probably know how great it feels to net a win. Well, when it comes to having a winning smile, the great news is that there are super simple habits you can and should develop to… Read more »
Ever wondered what would happen when you don’t see a dentist regularly? In other words, have you ever felt tempted to skip out on routine preventive visits with your general dentist? If so, there are many compelling reasons to reconsider. General dental appointments are key to maintaining a healthy smile, particularly as one ages. From… Read more »
Have you been suffering from dental problems, recently, with pain that is making it difficult to enjoy your meals or even snacks, lately? If so, you may have already considered the fact that you could be suffering from a dental problem, like a cavity or even a tooth infection. But have you considered the many… Read more »
When is the last time you had a dental checkup? Did you know that the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends visiting your dentist twice a year for regular dental checks? However, patients currently struggling with gum disease or prone to developing cavities may require more frequent dental visits. Why are dental checkups important? Your mouth… Read more »
Are you bound and determined to maintain good dental health? While you might know exactly how to lose weight or get in shape, do you sometimes feel confused by what really needs to happen to protect your oral health? Is mouthwash just a marketing gimmick, for instance? Do you still need to visit the dentist… Read more »
The saying goes that admitting you have a problem is half the battle. But when it comes to improving your smile, knowing you have a problem is of little consequence, if you’re still struggling to determine the best course of cosmetic treatment. Understanding what options are available to you, and how each can address different… Read more »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
Imagine this: you’re in the teeth cleaning aisle of the local drugstore trying to pick out a few items. Toothbrushes, toothpastes, floss, and mouthwashes bombard your vision. Which to choose,is the question, yet the correct answer doesn’t come to mind. To help his patients avoid situations, such as the one described above, Dr. James Fondriest… Read more »
Not all broken teeth were created equal. In other words, broken teeth have varying degrees of severity. A broken tooth could have just a chip missing, while other fractures reach as far as the tooth’s pulp. Regardless of the size of the break, leaving a broken tooth untreated could lead to infections. Since the enamel… Read more »
Gum disease is a serious oral illness that tends to become aggressive rather quickly, which is why the proper treatment must begin as soon as the first indicators of gum disease surface. If not, the consequences can wreak havoc upon your overall and oral health. Dr. James Fondriest explains the dangers of untreated gum disease with… Read more »
Excessive and uneven gum tissue might not be a concern to you unless you actually have the cosmetic problem. Often referred to as a “gummy” smile, the cosmetic problem causes your smile to appear off due to excessive gum tissue overlap that obscures your teeth and gums. One result of a gummy smile: You may… Read more »
Keeping your teeth bright and free of stains doesn’t just make your smile sparkle. Regular dental hygiene also protects an important part of your teeth that you can’t even see. In today’s blog, your Lake Forest dentist, Dr. James Fondriest, explains he importance of protecting your dental pulp.
When discussing dental care, most people focus on their teeth. While bright, healthy teeth are vital for good dental health, don’t overlook the tongue. Caring for the tongue is important. In addition to being one of the strongest and fastest healing muscles in the human body, the tongue helps maintain good oral hygiene. In today’s… Read more »
Often, in the name of politeness, we find ourselves faking a smile. People may force a smile during a bad joke or to mask a bad mood. For years, researchers believed one could easily distinguish a genuine smile from a fake one. In fact, many considered it impossible to fake a genuine smile, also… Read more »
Have you ever heard of dentin in teeth? Few people realize the importance of this layer of inner tooth structure. Learn the importance of protecting your dentin and preventing tooth decay.
Do you have reduced immunity against gum bacteria? In the United States, over 75% of adults exhibit symptoms of gum disease. Literally millions of Americans suffer from the affects of periodontal disease. Recently, researchers discovered a new clue as to why this disorder is so widespread. In today’s blog, Dr. James Fondriest, explains how the… Read more »
When caring for their smiles, few people consider the importance of a healthy jawbone. In fact, your jawbone helps keep your teeth strong, healthy, and holds them in place. But when a patient fails at replacing missing teeth, they leave their jawbone vulnerable to bone loss. In today’s blog, Dr. James Fondriest, explains how to… Read more »
Did you know that dental health and heart health are related? This February medical professionals across the country are observing American Heart Month. The goal is the raise awareness about heart disease prevention. In America, one out of every three deaths is a result of heart disease and stroke. Many people don’t realize that a few… Read more »
Tooth enamel protects our teeth from cavities and injury. In fact, the enamel on your teeth is the hardest substance in the human body. But what is tooth enamel? What happens when our enamel is damaged? In today’s blog, your Lake Forest general dentist, Dr. James Fondriest, explains the importance of tooth enamel.
Has your dentist or hygienist ever really shown you how to floss? Daily brushing and flossing keeps your teeth and gums clear of the food and bacteria that breeds gum disease and tooth decay. Following the American Dental Association’s recommendation of brushing at least twice a day and flossing once a day is crucial for good… Read more »
If asked what the worst thing that could happen to your oral health is, many people may respond that the loss of teeth must be the worst case scenario. The truth, however, is that even the loss of all of your teeth does not compare to the destructive damage of one of the worst threats… Read more »
A scientific team from the Athlone Institute of Technology in Ireland has suggested that tooth decay prevention could be added to the list of coconut oil’s benefits. In the ongoing effort to understand, treat, and hopefully defeat some of our most ominous oral health issues, the team from Ireland hopes to be able to incorporate… Read more »
A prehistoric tooth containing traces of beeswax used as cavity filler has sent a ripple of excitement throughout the history of dentistry. The tooth was discovered as part of a human mandible—or jawbone—in Slovenia near Trieste. There is very little evidence of prehistoric dentistry, thus any finding of this nature is of extreme significance. In… Read more »
When was the last time you sat down to enjoy a meal, without fear that your denture would shift about uncomfortably as you tried to chew? What about smiling? Does it feel like ages since you actually smiled confidently, without feeling concerned that your friends or family would fixate on your incomplete smile? If so,… Read more »
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder is a painful condition with symptoms that include severe headaches, sensitive teeth, ear pain, muscle soreness, and difficulty opening and closing the jaw comfortably. The TMJs hold your bottom jaw to your top jaw. When problems develop in these joints, they can cause TMJ disorder. Various causes of the disorder… Read more »
While the American Dental Association (ADA) continues to endorse the use of amalgam fillings, there has been widespread debate on their use since the 1800s. Because amalgam fillings contain inorganic mercury, some non scientific studies link them with mercury poisoning, which can cause serious problems with the brain and nervous system. Symptoms include memory loss,… Read more »
While our Lake Forest cosmetic dentist can give you a complete smile makeover, restoring your teeth and improving your self-confidence, you cannot fully benefit from your artistic cosmetic dental work if you struggle with halitosis. After all, how can you show off those brand new pearly whites when you are afraid to offend people with… Read more »
Achieving your dream of a beautiful smile can be a daunting challenge to some. The challenge comes in picking the right cosmetic expert, making the right treatment choices, and most importantly, overcoming the emotional stress. Finding a dentist that will work with you makes things easier. Going through a collaborative cosmetic dentistry process is the… Read more »
Which is better, a dental bridge vs implant? The importance of replacing missing teeth cannot be overstated. Each of your teeth has a specific function. When one tooth is lost, the other teeth begin to sustain this loss by shifting. This shifting can lead to a misaligned bite, also called malocclusion. Malocclusion can cause a… Read more »
If you are avoiding going to the dentist due to dental anxiety, you are putting your health at risk because regular dentist visits are essential to good overall physical health.
Gum disease, or gingivitis, is an inflammatory illness that can lead to more than tooth loss. Researchers have established a connection between gum disease and an increased risk of cardiovascular disorders, as well as uncontrolled blood sugar. In a more disturbing development, a recent study has revealed a connection between advanced gum disease (periodontitis) and… Read more »
According to the American Dental Association, the United States needs some education on the facts about oral health. The association’s new Web site, mouthHealthy.org, features the results of a national survey that recently gave the average American a “D” on the fundamentals of oral health. The survey offered a range of true or false questions… Read more »
Some of the most popular products available today are energy drinks. These energy drinks damage teeth. It comes as no surprise that Americans love the stuff. Between 30 and 50% of teens alone consume them. Contents of these drinks promise long-lasting energy boosts through caffeine, sugar, and herbal ingredients. The effectiveness and safety of these… Read more »
What is geographic tongue? This oral health condition reflects its name by showing map-like lesions on the tongue. Tastebuds create “island-shaped” red sores where papillae are missing. While some people experience discomfort with geographical tongue, it has not been linked to any serious health conditions. The exact cause of geographic tongue is still unknown but… Read more »
The tongue is one of the most overlooked parts of the mouth. You have probably been told many times not to neglect brushing your tongue when you clean your teeth. Despite being frequently forgotten, your tongue is very important. The tongue has three major functions. It assists with chewing food and pronouncing words properly along… Read more »
Did you know that sports drinks are dangerous? Dr. James Fondriest encourages his patients to live an active lifestyle with plenty of cardiovascular exercise. Many of us are concerned about staying hydrated throughout the day and sports drinks are a common choice for maintaining a healthy level of hydration. Although beneficial ingredients in sports drinks like… Read more »
The average person has about six to eight distinct types of smiles, each one different depending on your mood and situation. Dr. Fondriest can make all your types of smiles look beautiful. Has anyone ever told you that they “can’t read you?” Some people are very readable, meaning their emotions, thoughts, and mood show in… Read more »
Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. Your smile (or lack thereof) shows whether you are a happy or more subdued person. It can also provide information such as: if you are an extreme-sports athlete (chipped teeth), if you are a wine or coffee drinker (stained teeth), or if you’ve… Read more »
Though Dr. James Fondriest is a skilled cosmetic dentist, he is also provides high quality general dentistry. Each patient is important to him, so he spends time focusing on every detail of their dental health and chooses the most conservative dental treatment possible. He also makes patients feel welcomed, relaxed, and comfortable while they are… Read more »
You probably make sure that you brush your teeth twice a day, and you might even floss your teeth once per day. But do you understand why practicing this daily dental hygiene routine is so important? The answer: biofilm. Dr. James Fondriest, a Lake Forest, IL, dentist, wants you to learn about dental biofilm so… Read more »
Keep Your Toothbrush Clean and Sanitary When you brush your teeth, you’re main concern is, of course, removing food debris and plaque from your teeth. But your mouth is full of bacteria (including those found in plaque), much of which ends up on your toothbrush. It is also important to keep your toothbrush clean to… Read more »