Dark teeth can have a negative impact on your life. You may avoid speaking to others or always smile with your mouth closed for photos. If you find yourself going out of your way to hide your teeth then it’s time to make some changes. What effects can dark teeth have on your life? An… Read more »
Are carrots good for your eyes and teeth? Remember your parents telling you to eat carrots because they are good for your eyes? Well, they are, and they are good for your teeth, too. Who would have guessed that that funny shaped, bright orange, crispy, crunchy vegetable that grows upside down in the dirt could… Read more »
It’s amazing just how far the field of dentistry has evolved thanks to modern day technology and science. For dental professionals today, it’s not enough to just keep your patients’ teeth clean. Continuing education courses and countless hours and dollars are constantly being spent to ensure that patients receive the most up-to-date, comprehensive, and high-quality… Read more »
Many people experience discomfort with their jaw joints or TMJ pain when they open their mouth wide? This article lists foods to avoid if you have jaw joint pains. This disorder is a serious condition that affects the joints in your jaw. This causes patients great discomfort and pain, which is why managing it is incredibly… 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 »
If you are exploring porcelain veneers to address your smile concerns, you should know that there are two major categories options: traditional regular prep or no-prep veneers. Are you looking for less invasive alternatives to traditional dental veneer treatment? Cosmetic bonding may be right for you. There are many low prep and no-prep veneer options on… Read more »
Generally speaking, when people think about poor smile quality, they think about issues with teeth. With that said, some patients will actually have issues because of their gums of the upper jaw. When the amount of gum tissue exposure is too great when you smile, it is called a gummy smile. If you have too… Read more »
Do you want a bright white smile? Stains and discolorations cause a lot of people to feel insecure about their smiles. Has insecurity about your teeth hold you back in business or your personal life? It’s hard to muster the confidence to try new things and meet new people when you’re busy hiding imperfections in… Read more »
Did you know that 20 to 80 percent of orthodontic patients throughout the U.S. present with some form of tongue thrust? Do you know what tongue thrusting is? Babies are born with this natural “extrusion reflex” for survival. When their lips are touched, they extend their tongue expecting the breast or bottle. Within the first… 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 »
It almost looks like you might have black gums above your crown. But the hygienist says that you have healthy gums and certainly no gum disease. So if your oral health is good, then what could that darkness at the gumline be? Are your crowns older than 9 years? If so, you may have noticed… 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 »
Many believe that individuals with underbites have weak jaws. Others believe that the human jaw is naturally weak in comparison to the jaws of a shark, dog, or even a cat. Although a human jaw may not appear to be as strong as the jaws of other mammals, it is quite powerful. Exactly how strong… 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 »
If your mother drove you crazy with constant demands to “sit up straight”…you should thank her. Whether Mom knew the full effect of posture or not, the truth is, bad posture can be bad for your physical and mental health. Turns out, having a straight spine and correct alignment body can even help relieve symptoms… Read more »
Have you wondered if your headaches are caused by migraines or TMJ? If you suffer frequent headaches, you are not alone. The World Health Organization estimates that about 50% of adults (18-65) worldwide suffer from headache disorders. Of those who reported having headaches, about 30% had migraines.1 If you frequently experience the debilitating pain and… 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 »
Is there a connection between TMJ and tooth sensitivity? Though TMJ or TM dysfunction centers on your jaw’s joints, one of the many symptoms it can generate is the unconscious habit of grinding your teeth. When left untreated, TMJ disorder and resulting teeth-grinding can cause your teeth to hurt as well as the components of… Read more »
Do you have frequent sore cheeks and temples? Some people experience cheekbone pain and tension in their facial regions after waking up. Sleep is supposed to rejuvenate your mind and body after a long day of work or school. Unfortunately, some people wake up with even more tension and pain. Headaches, dizziness, earaches, and jaw… 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 »
Are you worried about starting teeth whitening? You may be scared off by the idea of teeth whitening, even though one of the things you’d love most in the world is to see your smile looking much brighter. When you’re tired of suffering from staining, we would like for you to come in to talk… Read more »
If your teeth seem to lack that crisp, white color you wish you could show off, you may assume that your problems stem from stains. Coffee, tea, tobacco products, red wine, and many foods can certainly pose a problem if you are worried about discoloration. Poor oral care can also contribute to your troubles. With… Read more »
When you visit a store, you’ll likely see a number of products offering at home teeth whitening. However, in order to receive dramatic results that last, you should see the dentist for a professional solution. We can provide at-home teeth whitening that can brighten your smile by multiple shades. Have you considered completing a teeth… 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 »
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 »
Many people don’t understand the connection between diet and dental health. Watching what you eat and drink is an important part of maintaining your health. But it can be difficult to properly choose a diet, especially with so many factors to consider. For many people, the main connection between diet and oral health is that… Read more »
Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments available. But many individuals don’t realize that over bleaching can be detrimental to your oral health if performed incorrectly. Here, we’ll explore the safe way to whiten teeth, and discuss several related topics, including: Research studies about whitening and the risk of over bleaching Statistics… 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 tired of seeing your dingy smile in photographs? In fact, has it reached the point that you no longer show your teeth when posing for “selfies” with friends, or even when you greet your coworkers in the morning? Discoloration, or deep staining, is a common complaint, especially as people age. In an attempt… 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 »
Dental CT scans play an extremely important role in the planning the future locations of implants. It is rare today to find a surgeon willing to take the risk of placing titanium fixtures without a CT scan. Computed tomography is often combined with digital software that helps to specify the arch location, depth, and axial… Read more »
Have you heard of TMJ? TMJ stands for your temporomandibular joint. Your temporomandibular joint is the sliding hinge that connects your jawbone to your skull. If this joint becomes sore, pops or clicks when opening and closing, becomes stiff, or is limited in movement you may have a TMD. A TMD is a disorder of… Read more »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
Bisphosphonate treatment for osteoporosis is becoming popular. Unfortunately, having jawbone infections while taking bisphosphonates is dangerous. This medicine doesn’t cause infections. The medicine makes it difficult to fight an infection that has already started. One side effect of using this medicine is decreased capillary flow in your bones. A decreased blood flow reduces a person’s… Read more »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 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 »
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… Read more »
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 »
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 »
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 »
There are many types of toothaches with many causes. If you pinch your tooth, it won’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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
A popping jaw is typically an indication of temporomandibular joint disorder (or TMD). This jaw dysfunction is oftentimes characterized by its unique symptoms, which include a popping or clicking jaw alongside back, neck, and even shoulder pain. However, as uncomfortable as this disorder is, a few at-home exercises can help improve symptoms and alleviate the… 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 »
Allergies to different types of medicine are quite common in the medical field. To teach his patients about the differing types of dental allergies, Dr. James Fondriest shares the following information. Commonly Seen Allergies to Dental Medications Penicillin. Some form of penicillin appears in a number of antibiotic medications and allergic reactions range from very… Read more »
A number of factors can cause a tooth to chip. For example, eating something too hard or suffering with dental trauma can lead to a damaged tooth. Regardless of the cause, though, a dentist can typically repair the tooth. To help his patients understand how a chipped tooth is treated, Dr. James Fondriest shares this… Read more »
Have you wanted to use bleaching treatment to improve the appearance of your smile? Then you should know that not everyone can have the procedure. In fact, dentists often suggest a different whitening alternative, should they fall into one these categories. If you’re unsure if you can receive teeth bleaching treatments, Dr. James Fondriest offers of… Read more »
Unconscious teeth grinding or rubbing the teeth together is very common. It is thought that about 50% of us grind to some degree. Though commonly referred to as a habit, the truth is that sleep bruxism is a chronic condition, and patients who experience it often can’t stop even if they want to. The good… Read more »
What you eat truly affects your teeth, whether it’s positive or negative. By eating healthy foods, your smile can become fortified and stay healthy. On the other hand, having foods that contain high amounts of sugar can lead to cavities. Acid wear on the enamel comes from a diet rich in acids and the effects… Read more »
If you’ve lost permanent teeth or have done any research on options for tooth replacement, you’ve probably heard of dental implants. The dental industry’s not-so-secret hidden treasure, dental implants are far and away the best method for replacing missing dentition. Dental implants offer patients several advantages over other traditional dental prosthetics. Although there are many… 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.
Do you experience frequent TMJ earaches or a constant ringing in your ears that affects your hearing? Does the pain spread to your face, jaw, or neck or cause frequent headaches? Have over-the-counter pain remedies failed to relieve your pain? While ear infections can cause ear pain, chronic ear pain might be a sign of… Read more »
Many people in America suffer from neck pain and tooth grinding. Over-the-counter pain relievers seem to do little, and the cause of their aches remains a mystery. Constant pains in the neck, head, or face, could be a sign of more serious disorder called TMD or TMJ. Dr. James Fondriest, explains TMJ disorder and… Read more »
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 »
When you eat something that disagrees with your stomach, you might experience heartburn. Episodes of heartburn can become uncomfortable and sometimes painful. Chronic heartburn can eventually hurt the esophagus. Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD affects teeth. In this article, Dr. James Fondriest, explains GERD and how to protect teeth from stomach acid. What is GERD… Read more »
Research from the Journal of Periodontology suggests women are more likely to floss, and 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… Read more »
If you’ve noticed small lines on your teeth, you may have what dentists call craze lines. These web looking imperfections should not be confused with a truly fractured tooth, which is painful. Craze lines are merely hairline cracks in tooth enamel. Though these lines on teeth are cosmetically displeasing, they are not particularly harmful to… 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 »
What does alcohol do to your mouth? It’s Friday, and maybe you and some coworkers are planning on celebrating the end of the work week with cocktails at happy hour. Perhaps you plan to spend the weekend watching baseball and drinking beer. While a couple of drinks probably won’t hurt, heavier drinking can have negative… 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 »
Have you noticed ongoing jaw pain while yawning? About 15% of Americans suffer from severe facial pain. Over half of patients exhibit symptoms of temporomandibular joint disorder, also known as TMJ. TMJ dysfunction disrupts the natural and harmonious movement of the facial bones, muscles, and ligaments. What is TMJ dysfunction or disorder? TMJ stands for… 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 »
There are many foods that stain teeth. Everyone wants a beautiful smile, and bright teeth are a big part of the package. That’s why products like at-home teeth whitening systems and whitening toothpaste are so popular. But many of the foods and drinks we consume can make our teeth dark and take away from their… Read more »