Plaque vs tartar. You probably know both dental terms. You may even understand that they are both bad for your teeth and oral health. The terms are related but not interchangeable. What’s the Difference Between Plaque vs Tartar? Before your next visit to the dentist, it wouldn’t hurt to brush up on some dental terms…. Read more »
Are you noticing black spots on your gums? Your eyes aren’t deceiving you. There are various reasons why your gums may have black spots or appear black in color. The key to treating this issue is finding out what is responsible for the different color. Occasionally black gums can be a cosmetic issue when they… Read more »
A gum problem (periodontal disease) is a chronic infection of the gums. It is caused by bacterial plaque that accumulates on teeth and destroys the gums. Plaque can accumulate on teeth if proper oral hygiene habits are not observed, although some people are simply more prone to plaque buildup than others. Various medications and health… 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 »
Your gums are crucial for supporting the roots and crowns of your teeth. Their soft tissues offer protection from harmful oral bacteria in plaque and extreme temperature fluctuations. They also play an active role in keeping teeth firmly in place and aligned. Therefore, gum recession, or shrinking gum lines, is an issue that must be… Read more »
Do you brush your teeth regularly? Perhaps you wouldn’t think of skipping a brushing. There are many people that brush religiously, yet do not floss. Less than half of Americans floss daily and 10 percent don’t floss at all. Both brushing and flossing are important to your dental health. Flossing helps prevent cavities, gingivitis, and… Read more »
Why straighten crooked teeth? Have you ever wondered why it is so important to have straight teeth? Do your choppers really need to be straight? Are truly straight teeth attractive as well as necessary? The answer is yes to all of these questions. Making everything straight offers a multitude of benefits. Dr. James Fondriest in… Read more »
Celebrity gum disease Whoopi Goldberg has struggled with gum disease for many years. Sharing her problems has put light on a topic that many suffer from. Learning to brush your teeth is a right of passage for all children. We’re told about the importance of brushing your teeth twice a day and going to the… Read more »
Can I have a nice smile again after recovery from periodontal disease ? Once you recover from periodontal disease and have your oral health fully managed, you may ask yourself: Is there anything you can do to make your smile look the way it used to look? Dealing with significant damage may cause you to… Read more »
Preventing gingivitis is similar to preventing most other dental issues. Keep your teeth and gums clean with regularly good hygiene and preventive dental care, and you can avoid allowing oral bacteria enough time to infect your gums. However, while gum disease is highly preventable, it only takes one small mistake for oral bacteria to infect… Read more »
Can I get dental implants with gum disease? The good thing about dental implants is that most patients who’ve lost one or more teeth qualify for them. Therefore, more patients can enjoy the many benefits they offer, such as more lifelike replacement teeth and a healthier, stronger jawbone. However, there are a few circumstances that… Read more »
Some dental health issues are only obvious once you know you have them. Until then, the symptoms may not seem serious, especially if they don’t include pain in and around a tooth. For instance, if you notice a small amount of blood mixed in with your saliva when you brush and floss your teeth, you… Read more »
Most patients understand that they need a dentist to diagnose and make recommendations for gum issues. Having said that, it is good to have an idea of what the visible signs of gum disease. Gum disease is the second most common dental health issue for adults in the U.S. It isn’t because the disease is… Read more »
One of the more widespread dental health issues among adults today is gum disease. As a progressive issue that goes through several stages of severity, gum disease can be a bigger threat to some people’s smiles than it is to others. Typically, the difference lies in how successful you are at preventing gum disease, or… Read more »
The term sour breath refers to foul breath caused by mouth acids. These mouth acids are caused by gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD, bacteria in the mouth, or some other general health issue. There are many recommendations for fixing sour breath but many people don’t know them. Are you afraid to stand too close to… Read more »
Even if you aren’t currently undergoing treatment to control gum disease, it might still be an impending threat to your oral health. As one of the most frequently-experienced dental issues, gum disease can affect nearly anyone at some point in their lives. Without proper care and maintenance, and a healthy understanding of its causes and… Read more »
Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease Do you know the symptoms of early gum problems, known as gingivitis, or even what it is? Many people know that overly sensitive or deeply stained teeth can be warning signs of dental cavities. Yet people rarely know the early indicators of gingivitis, which is the earliest… Read more »
Do you floss every day? Most people have gotten their brushing routine down. They brush in the morning and before they go to bed. Some even brush after every meal. But the majority of people are still not regular flossers. Using an interdental cleaner, such as floss, is an absolutely essential part of a good oral… Read more »
Did you vow to take better care of your teeth and gums this year? If so, how is your commitment to that resolution going? If you feel you’ve lost steam, or simply feel unsure that you’re really doing all you can to protect your healthy smile, the great news is that preventive care can be… Read more »
Learn the best ways of preventing plaque buildup so that you can avoid oral problems like bad breath, dental cavities, and gum disease. There are countless reasons to try to avoid plaque buildup. But many people don’t realize some of the simplest preventive steps they can take to keeping their teeth and mouth healthy and… Read more »
If you enjoy a rich glass of wine with your dinner, or a nice ale with your friends, you’re not alone. Many alcoholic beverages make a fine compliment to a well-crafted meal, and some, like red wine, even boast heart benefits, as well. But if you think the only problem with having an extra glass… Read more »
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 »
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.
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 »
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 »
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.
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 »
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 »
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 »
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.
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 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 »
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 »
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 »
Did you know a recent Kelton Research study revealed that people with beautiful, bright smiles are considered more attractive and successful? A gorgeous smile can boost confidence. Often, our teeth become damaged due to tooth decay or injury. When this happens, people can become self conscious regarding the imperfections in their smile. Thankfully, a dental… Read more »
While a bright smile can boost our confidence, we shouldn’t forget to pay attention to what’s happening to our teeth below the gum line. The roots and cementum of our teeth help keep our smile healthy and beautiful. Dr. James Fondriest, explains the importance of our less visible tooth structure.
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 »
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 »
Over 75% of American adults exhibit symptoms of gingivitis. If left untreated, this common disorder often develops into periodontal disease, or gum disease. In today’s blog, we explain the link between gingivitis and gum disease.
When people consider cosmetic dentistry to improve their smile, they rarely consider their gums. While Americans spend over 1.4 billion dollars a year on teeth whitening systems, over 75% of the country has some sort of gum problem and 47% of adults have gum disease. In today’s blog, Lake Forest cosmetic dentist, Dr. James Fondriest,… Read more »
Did you know that losing a tooth can promote bone loss in your jaw? In addition, traditional dentures can actually make the problem worse, further degrading the bone around the missing teeth. Your Lake Forest dentist, Dr. James Fondriest, explains how dental implants influence jaw bone retention and provide seamless tooth replacement.
Everyone wants their smile to be beautiful and bright. Over time, our teeth become stained and start to lose their luster. Many people turn to teeth whitening as a method for rejuvenating their smile. Cosmetic dentist, Dr. James Fondriest, discusses the different methods offered to give patients the beautiful, youthful smiles they deserve.
Have you lived with swollen or infected gums? The experience isn’t fun. Infected gums can swell, bleed, and cause pain. During advanced stages of gum disease, gums can also excrete pus while fighting bacterial infection. When these problems develop, your oral health obviously needs attention. You might wonder what is happening in your mouth and how to… Read more »
There is a link between gum disease and Alzheimer’s. Taking care of oral health can delay or reduce the risk of developing cognitive impairments. In honor of Alzheimer’s awareness month, Dr James Fondriest would like to discuss how taking care of your oral health can help delay or reduce the risk entirely of developing cognitive impairments… Read more »
Research from the Journal of Periodontology suggests women are more likely to floss, visit the dentist regularly. They are less likely to smoke and drink excessive alcohol than men. Women have more cosmetic dental procedures while having less tooth decay. Although women have historically been better caretakers of their teeth, females are more susceptible to gum… Read more »
It seems strange, doesn’t it? You’re reading correctly. Recent research has discovered a correlation between gum disease and arthritic knees. Gum problems have been linked to many systemic health issues such as arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease. Periodontal Bacteria Migrating to the Knees Scientists found traces of periodontal bacteria, or gum bacteria, in the knees… Read more »
Roll out the pink, October is breast cancer awareness month. In honor of the fight against this disease, which accounts for nearly a third of all cancer diagnoses in women, your Lake Forest dentist will dedicate today’s post to discussing breast cancer and how it relates to your oral health. Breast Cancer in the United… 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 »
Your dental health can have wide-ranging consequences for your overall health. According to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology, researchers from the Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland have connected rheumatoid arthritis to periodontitis. The link between gum disease and arthritis comes from the bacteria released into the blood stream. Every time… Read more »
More than 70 percent of Americans struggle with gum problems. From gingivitis, or simple gum inflammation, to periodontitis, an acute form of the disease, unhealthy gums lead to a host of health issues. Not only does gum disease lead to cavities and tooth loss, studies now link it to heart disease, stroke, preterm birth, and… Read more »
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 »
Gum Disease Treatment in Chicago One of the worst things you can do for your oral health is ignoring the signs of gum disease. Leaving gingivitis untreated can lead to periodontitis. The advanced stages of gum disease include gingival recession, extreme tooth sensitivity, and possible tooth loss. While gum disease is not curable, the progression of… Read more »
Gum disease is common. Recent findings show up to 80% of the population in the United States has gum disease. Despite the fact that gum disease is very common, many patients lack awareness and information on the disease. Early stages of gum disease (gingivitis) are reversible with regular dental cleanings and thorough oral hygiene. If… Read more »
As scientists and researchers discover more about the connection between oral health and overall vitality, we would like to provide our patients insight into how diabetes and gum disease are connected. Dr. James Fondriest strives to continually educate his patients, especially patients with certain conditions and special needs. Below are some commonly asked questions about… Read more »
Oral health is definitely affected by smoking. You’ve probably heard about the link between tobacco and heart disease, stroke, and cancer, but do you know what smoking does to your teeth? Let’s examine the most common oral health problems associated with smoking. Social Factors Bad breath: The bacteria in your mouth mix with the tobacco… Read more »
Receding gums is a common dental problem, but it is also among the lesser known conditions. Receding gums can also be referred to as gingival recession. Let us examine the causes of this condition and the treatments. What causes receding gums? There are several causes that can contribute to recession. It’s important to work with… Read more »
In celebration of Whole Grains Month… what’s that? You didn’t know that it’s Whole Grains Month?! Well it is! In celebration of Whole Grains Month, Dr. Fondriest wants you to know, eating whole grains can reduce your risk for inflammatory diseases, including gum disease, as well as tooth loss, heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes,… 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. And each milligram contains approximately 400 different types of bacteria that produce acids. The bacterial products and acids combine with saliva to… 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 »
Do you skip flossing, or is it difficult because of dexterity issues, spacing between your teeth, or dental work? If you hate flossing, or find that it isn’t effective, you’re not alone. Dr. James Fondriest, a Chicago dentist, recommends interdental brushing (also called using a proxy brush) as a fantastic, and often better, alternative to flossing…. Read more »