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 »
Posts Tagged: dentist chicago
Tooth pain while flying | Barodontalgia
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 »
Anti-inflammatory Herbs for Gums | Herbal Remedies for Your Gums
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 »
Tooth Discolorations | Extrinsic and Intrinsic Types
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 Myths Dispelled
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 »
What You Need to Know About Your Tongue
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 »
Alternatives to Drinks That Stain Your Teeth
If you start your morning with coffee or finish an evening off with red wine, you might be staining your teeth. These beverages, along with cola and many others, are notorious for causing extrinsic tooth stains. Many of our patients can ease the incidence of these stains with regular dental cleanings and comprehensive daily oral… Read more »
Connection between diabetes and gum disease
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 »
Straws Can Protect Your Teeth
Did you know that using straws can protect your teeth? This simple invention can help protect your smile from beverages that can stain or erode your teeth. Drinking from a straw can limit highly acidic drinks from contacting your teeth. It also prevents staining of your front teeth from coffee and tea. Americans drink an… Read more »
Cold sores
Research suggests that over half of the American population is affected by cold sores, but not all show symptoms or know they have contracted the virus that causes these unsightly, painful blisters. With the cold and flu season quickly approaching, cold sores will be showing up on faces even more frequently. Few know the facts… Read more »
Brush Before Bed? If you eat late, reconsider it
Do you brush before bed? Get home, check the mail, exercise, eat dinner, watch some TV or read, then shower, brush your teeth, and hit the sack. This is the routine for most Americans between 5 and 11pm, Monday through Friday. It seems like a good routine. There’s a balance of exercise, fueling the body,… Read more »
Celebrities Who Need Their Smiles Fixed
Most celebrities have a reputation of having perfectly white, straight teeth. But not all! Here are a few of the rich and famous stars that could benefit from cosmetic dental work. let us introduce some celebrities who could really need a smile makeover. Morgan Freeman: He didn’t start his career until later life, so he… Read more »
Oral Health Hazards of Smoking
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 »
Interdental Brushing | Proxy Brush for ideal gum health
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 »
Leafy Green Vegetables May Prevent Oral Cancer
Eating Leafy Green Vegetables Could Prevent Oral Cancer You could be aware of the dangers of oral cancer, especially if you regularly read this blog. Maybe you’ve read the statistics: oral cancer is diagnosed in 37,000 people each year, and it kills about one person every hour. You could also be aware that use of… Read more »