Dentist Blog

Of course everyone needs to take good care of their teeth and gums, but it's especially important for pregnant women. This is because developing severe gum disease during pregnancy can increase the production of chemicals that induce labor. However the latest research shows that pregnant women who visit their hygienist in Palatine may help cut the risk of having a premature birth by around 30%.

Regular visits to the hygienist in Palatine should be on everyone's must do list, as it's the only way to have tartar removed from the teeth and near the gum line. Tartar is hardened plaque bacteria, and its presence can lead to gum disease developing as it irritates the delicate gum tissue.

Fluoride is a mineral that is naturally present in some foods and water supplies. It's essential for good oral health in Palatine as it helps to harden tooth enamel, preventing tooth decay and gum disease. Every time you eat or drink something containing sugars or carbohydrates then the bacteria in your mouth will convert these into acid that then attacks the tooth enamel. The result is that your tooth enamel will become softer because it will lose certain minerals, especially calcium and phosphate.

Around half an hour later the pH levels in your mouth will have become far less acidic, allowing your teeth to remineralize to a certain extent. This is where minerals in your saliva, including fluoride, are redeposited back into your tooth enamel, helping it to re-harden. This is the reason our Palatine dental office doesn't recommend brushing your teeth immediately after eating, as this remineralization will be unable to occur, and you're more likely to lose these valuable minerals permanently. The inclusion of fluoride into your diet helps to harden the tooth enamel making it more resistant to acids.

November is American Diabetes Month, and your dentist in Palatine would like to draw your attention to a few facts. Did you know there are 26 million adults and children who have been diagnosed with diabetes in the United States? Even worse there are another 79 million who are thought to be prediabetic which means they are at risk of developing Type II diabetes. The cost to the nation is huge, as diabetics are far more likely to have extensive health problems requiring medical treatment and time off work.

The correlation between oral health and diabetes has been well documented, and numerous studies have shown that diabetics who look after their dental health enjoy better general health, resulting in lower medical bills. One of the most common conditions found in diabetic dental patients in Palatine is gum disease. While most people are able to fight off gum disease, diabetic patients are less able to do so as their immune system is compromised by their condition. This frequently leads to gum disease progressing into periodontal disease, a condition that needs careful management and treatment. However many people may not even know they have or are at risk of developing Type II diabetes, but other chronic dental health conditions may indicate the presence of this disease.

When it comes to routine dental care I hope that all of my patients know the basics. They should know the proper method for brushing their teeth both morning and night, as well as the need for flossing and a healthy diet. But many people do not know how to care for their teeth during the day. The morning and nightly routine is one thing, but by adding in an additional massage method in Palatine to care for teeth can greatly reduce the risk of dental decay.

Many people today live busy lives. School, work, activities; all of these things are filling up time and leaving very little left for dental care throughout the day. This problem is often compounded by all of the fast food and sweets we have quick and easy access to. So what can you do? Well, my staff and I hope to help.  With this new way to brush your teeth Palatine dental care can be faster and more efficient.

You are what you eat. You may not really believe this. The truth is the things you are putting into your body not only have an impact on your weight and health, but also play a big role in the condition of your smile. Your mouth acts as the entry point of everything you eat. Your teeth and gums are the first line of defense for your body. They rip and chew, they grind and tear. They also retain quite a lot of particles from everything you eat and drink. That is why finding the best food for healthy teeth in Palatine can play a major part in your oral health.

As a family dentist I want to help all of my patients, both young and old, maintain healthy teeth and prevent cavities. This can be hard with so many process and sugary foods available. Fewer and fewer raw fruits and vegetables are being eaten. Instead cookies and soda are being chosen for snacks. This often leads to poor oral health in Palatine. It is easy to know the things we should not be eating, but here is a list of the best Palatine dental health foods you should add to your diet.