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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
Over the past few years, research has emerged touting the many oral health benefits of green tea. According to numerous studies, the soothing, warm elixir can lower your risk for a range of systemic diseases, including cardiovascular disorders and diabetes. Additionally, many health and beauty experts claim that green tea helps treat acne and calm… Read more »
The latest advances in dental implants and Bioteeth technology If you’ve done any research at all about replacing your missing teeth, then you’ve more than likely read about dental implants. These cutting-edge devices are comprised of three parts: the implant, which an oral surgeon or periodontist inserts into the jawbone; the abutment, which connects the… Read more »
Let’s face it: once you move past a certain age, losing a tooth is bad news. Unfortunately, adult tooth loss is a serious problem in the U.S. According to the American College of Prosthodontists, 178 million American adults have one or more missing teeth. For centuries, dental bridges have served as the tooth replacement option… Read more »
TMJ refers to the tempromandibular joints that lay in either side of your face, where the jaw connects to the skull. Nestled within the joint is a cartilage disc that allows for full articulation of the jaw. Healthy TMJ function lets you to open and close your jaw with a smooth gliding motion. Any disruption… Read more »
Have you ever heard of a condition called barodontalgia? No, it’s not some exotic location in Europe, but you do have to fly in an airplane to experience it. Unfortunately, unlike a vacation, you probably don’t want barodontalgia. In laymen’s terms, this condition is simply a high-altitude toothache. Similar to a scuba diver experiencing decompression… 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 »
It’s estimated that 80 percent of all dental injuries involve at least one of the front teeth. With warm weather and lots of spare time, summer is a prime time for playing sports. Then, when summer is over, school sports will be in full swing. Dr. James Fondriest, would like to offer some tips about… 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 »
Olympic champion Michael Phelps eats between six and ten pounds of food each day to fuel his body for grueling training sessions. His 10,000 to 12,000 calorie diet includes pancakes, eggs, French toast, cheese, pizza, pasta, and sandwiches. While it’s almost certain you don’t need to eat like a 2012 Olympian, there are several foods… 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 »
Eighty percent of people aren’t happy with their smiles. If you fall into this category, you might benefit from no-prep veneers. This elective cosmetic treatment basically allows you to resurface your smile with tooth-colored restorative materials. Today, our Lake Forest cosmetic dentist Dr. James Fondriest discusses the advantages of no-prep veneers. What are No-prep Veneers? For years,… Read more »
Smoking is bad for you. You know that. You’re probably well aware of the fact that smoking can lead to a laundry list of health problems, including emphysema, heart disease, and cancer. But did you know smoking can also increase your chances of needing a root canal procedure? Our Lake Forest dentist Dr. James Fondriest… Read more »
Do you have the wear and tear of bruxism? Teeth grinding, known clinically as bruxism, is the repeated clenching of the jaw, sometimes causing tooth damage that can ultimately require restorative work. If you already have restorations, you might wonder if your bruxism will damage your new beautiful smile. Today, cosmetic dentist Dr. James Fondriest… Read more »
Anti-inflammatory Herbal Remedies for Your Gums Have you considered anti-inflammatory herbal remedies for your gums? Most commonly associated with sunburn relief, aloe vera can also be beneficial for your gums by alleviating ulcers. Applied directly, the antibacterial properties of aloe vera can help your ulcers heal faster. If you have a toothache, contact us right… Read more »
Do you have tooth discoloration? Does your smile appear dull or discolored? Did you know that stains and discoloration can involve both the external parts of your teeth and internal tooth structures? Understanding the cause of tooth discoloration is an important part of assessing your oral health and improving the appearance of your smile. Some… 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 »