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How to Protect Teeth from Chlorine While Swimming

June 29, 2020

Filed under: Dental Tips — Tags: drkics @ 7:27 pm

protect teeth from chlorine

Taking a dip in the pool is a great way to cool off in the summer, or maybe you prefer relaxing in the jacuzzi after a hard days work. When you’re enjoying your time in the water, your teeth may be the last thing on your mind. Did you know spending too much time in chlorinated water can have a negative impact on the health of your smile?

Isn’t Chlorine Safe?

Chlorine is commonly used in water as an antimicrobial agent. It helps keep us safe from harmful bacteria in our drinking water. It also keeps our pools clean and free from algae. However, when chlorine is added to water, it affects the water’s pH balance.

The pH balance is how acidic or alkaline the water is. While it takes an extremely low pH level of 5.5 to actually dissolve a tooth, pools that are not properly chlorinated, or frequent exposure to the chemical, can still have a negative impact on the health of your teeth.

In 2010, New York University’s College of Dentistry did a study on a male patient who had reported extreme tooth sensitivity. He also reported the appearance of dark stains on his teeth.

The study, conducted by Dr. Leila Jahangiri, revealed that the man’s trouble started after he had began a daily, 90-minute swimming routine in his backyard pool. The culprit? Improperly chlorinated water.

Don’t wait until you’ve already damaged your teeth to act! Repairing damaged teeth is a lot more difficult (and costly) than prevention.

How Does it Affect Your Teeth?

A properly maintained pool should have a pH balance between 7.2 and 7.8. When the pH balance of a pool is not properly maintained, or if you are swimming six or more hours a week, you may be putting your smile at risk. If you think you might have enamel loss, check your teeth for the following symptoms:

  • Extreme Tooth Sensitivity: Do you suddenly have an intense sensitivity to hot or cold?
  • Dark Staining of Teeth: Do your teeth have a dark brownish buildup on them?
  • Tooth Transparency: Are the edges of your front teeth beginning to look transparent?
ph chart to protect teeth from chlorine

Is the pH balance of your pool off? You could be damaging your smile!

How Can You Protect Teeth from Chlorine When Swimming?

If you are planning on spending a lot of time in the water this summer, don’t wait until you’ve already damaged your teeth to act! Repairing damaged teeth is a lot more difficult (and costly) than prevention.

While you are in the water, try to keep your mouth closed as much as possible while you swim. Many dentists also recommend scheduling an extra cleaning and fluoride treatment at the start of the season. This will help keep your smile safe and looking it’s best all summer long.

More and more pools have started opting for non-chlorine based solutions to keep their water clean. If you are visiting a public pool regularly and are worried about your teeth, ask which method they use to keep water clean. You can also buy testing strips at most drug stores if you want to make sure your pool is within a safe pH level for your teeth.

Make sure your friends and family guard against extreme tooth sensitivity and dark staining by simply tweeting or sharing this article!

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Re-posted with permission. Sourcehttps://www.roadsidedentalmarketing.com/blog/dental-articles/


How to Baby Your Teeth During Pregnancy

Filed under: Dental News,Dental Tips — Tags: drkics @ 7:26 pm

Pregnancy Teeth Tips - Woman researching teeth questions during pregnancy

If you’re not up on the latest oral-systemic link, it may seem odd that pregnancy affects your teeth, but it does! At the same time, your dental health has a very real effect on your developing baby. Many articles report that poor dental habits have been associated with premature delivery, intrauterine growth restriction, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia. (Yikes!)

The positive news, however, is that you CAN take control over your hygiene and general oral health, and can likely sidestep that old adage “one tooth is lost with every pregnancy.”

First of all, that outdated saying is simply not true! Calcium is not lost from a mother’s teeth during pregnancy, BUT there are still some real dangers to be aware of – and we want to share a few preventative tips to help you maintain good oral health throughout your pregnancy.

Read on to learn about a few potential perils, and find ways to keep your mouth healthy for BOTH you and your new bundle of joy.

Watch Out for Those Sweet Treats

Are you constantly searching out ice cream to go with those pickles? Some say that sweet cravings forecast a baby girl (sugar and spice, and everything nice!), but when it comes to sugary snacks, a more concrete fact is that an increase in carbohydrates can negatively affect your oral health. Simply put: more sugar means a higher chance of tooth decay.

Pregnancy Teeth Tips - Help your teeth during pregnancy with healthy foods.

Choose healthy, lower-sugar foods to help ward off tooth decay.

To help ward off unwanted cavities, simply choose lower-sugar foods. In the event that only a sweet treat will satisfy your pregnancy craving, do your best to opt for a healthier option, like fresh fruit. BONUS: Strawberries are also said to have a teeth whitening effect (double score)!

It’s also wise to immediately rinse your mouth with milk or water after eating sugary foods. While brushing your teeth is undeniably better, if you’re feeling worn out and all you can muster is a swish of a beverage, it’s better than nothing – and hey, milk goes great with donuts … just saying.

Save Your Teeth from Morning Sickness

For many women, morning sickness is an unpleasant companion throughout pregnancy (specifically in the first trimester). If you’re feeling queasy and find yourself hunched over the toilet bowl, you have our most sincere sympathies.

The reason vomit affects your teeth has to do with the amount of acid your mouth is exposed to. Basically, stomach reflux and acids eat away at your tooth enamel (the outer covering on your teeth).

Pregnancy Teeth Tips - pregnancy morning sickness dental teeth tips

While it may seem like a good idea to remove the acid quickly, DO NOT brush your teeth immediately after vomiting. The vigorous, repetitive action of the toothbrush may actually scratch the tooth enamel while it’s still covered in stomach acids.

Instead, it’s best to rinse your mouth thoroughly with water, and follow up with a fluoride mouthwash or a dab of toothpaste applied with your finger. If you can, aim to brush about one hour after vomiting.

Prevent Hormonal Damage to Your Teeth

Another significant “bonus” about pregnancy: all those extra hormones! Hopefully you aren’t crying at car commercials, or experiencing any of the following pregnancy-related dental concerns, but if you are – just know that we are here to help you through them!

Pregnancy Gingivitis

Pregnancy gingivitis is basically an inflammation of the gums that causes swelling and tenderness. Have you noticed that your gums bleed a little (or a lot) when you brush or floss? While this is fairly normal, if left untreated, full-blown gingivitis can lead to more serious forms of gum disease, or worse.

We don’t want to freak you out, but gingivitis has been linked to low birth weight baby, or premature birth, so it’s definitely worth coming in for a routine teeth cleaning to check in on your gum health.

Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease is a chronic gum infection that is caused by untreated gingivitis. Pregnancy may worsen this condition, and it can actually lead to tooth loss.

Again, if you suspect you’re dealing with gingivitis, please schedule an appointment so we can help before it leads to periodontal disease, which can be much more serious.

Pregnancy Tumors

Pregnancy tumors are lumps that appear along the gum line and between your teeth (most often in the second trimester). They may bleed easily but are not harmful or cancerous.

They may be related to excess plaque and usually disappear after pregnancy, but if you’re feeling concerned, please talk to your dentist about removing them.

Prepare for Birth With Preventative Action

Maintaining your own health – both before and during your pregnancy – is an important facet of caring and planning for your developing baby.

Pregnancy DOES affect your teeth, and many studies reveal that maintaining healthy teeth and gums not only impact your overall health, but that of your developing baby.

Pregnancy Teeth Tips

Take action! Call your dentist to schedule an appointment today!

If you’re still in the planning stages of adding a new baby to your family, you would do well to visit your dentist and resolve any dental-related issues beforehand.

If you’re currently pregnant, please consider the points above, and schedule your appointment today! At the very least, a cleaning will set your mind at ease, and then you can focus on the fun parts of having a baby (like nursery planning and teeny onesies)!

How are you handling your changing body? Did any of these tips surprise you, or do you have any tips for other moms-to-be? Please share a comment below!

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Re-posted with permission. Sourcehttps://www.roadsidedentalmarketing.com/?s=dental+articles&et_pb_searchform_submit=et_search_proccess&et_pb_include_posts=yes

No Appointment? No Problem!

June 28, 2018

Filed under: Dental Tipsdrkics @ 11:00 am

As anyone who’s ever been saddled with a midnight toothache surely knows, dental emergencies don’t abide by a fixed schedule. That’s because, like all medical emergencies, tooth-related problems are impossible to predict in every single instance. Even people who take great care of their teeth and visit their dentists on a regular basis can still suffer the occasional accident or spontaneous infection that requires immediate care.

Since we at Westgate Dental Care believe strongly in an anxiety-free style of dentistry, we’ve decided to implement emergency services for all patients in the Arlington Heights Illinois area. This means that, in case of an emergency, you can pay us a visit even if you haven’t previously booked an appointment with us. We have protocols in place to welcome customers on the same day in emergency situations, and will gladly do everything in our power to see you as quickly as possible. Here are just some of the advantages of choosing Westgate Dental Care in times of need:

(more…)

Where is a Dentist Near Me to Recommit to My Oral Health?

December 17, 2017

Filed under: Dental Tips — Tags: , drkics @ 5:08 pm

woman flossing her teethFrom a very young age, you have been taught to brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and to visit your dentist twice a year. However, as time has gone on, your commitment to your oral health has declined. Despite your history of poor oral hygiene, it is never too late to reinvest in your teeth and gums. As the new year approaches, now it the time to take control of your smile. In addition to revamping your habits at home, it is also time to ask yourself, “where is a dentist near me?”
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Why it’s Wise to Remove Wisdom Teeth Before College

May 5, 2017

Filed under: Dental Tips — Tags: drkics @ 8:00 am

Wisdom teeth extraction may be a good idea for your college-bound teen.

Is your recent high school graduate heading to college this fall? Whether your teen is moving away or planning to attend a local school, it’s vital to set him or her up to succeed – both in school, but also in health matters.

If your teenage son or daughter hasn’t had their wisdom teeth removed yet, you may want to consider having them removed now, before he or she heads to college in the fall. As parents, we certainly don’t want our kids to experience adverse effects later on. Choosing to remove wisdom teeth before college could help your son or daughter avoid missed classes, failing grades, or severe pain!

The wisdom of wisdom teeth extraction now, not later

It’s generally recommended to remove wisdom teeth before the age of 25. Preventive wisdom teeth removal could save your child from future complications or painful symptoms.

If left in place, impacted wisdom teeth could cause many problems, including:

  • pain
  • swelling
  • headaches
  • earaches
  • jaw pain
  • sinus pain
  • swollen glands
  • damage to other teeth

Additionally, wisdom teeth that crowd against other teeth could make it difficult to floss. Food particles can become trapped, leading to cavities or periodontal disease.

Most dental insurance plans cover wisdom teeth extraction between the ages of 18-25. Your dental team can help determine if your plan will cover this for your kids.

Learn why it's a good idea for teens to remove wisdom teeth before heading off to college

If wisdom teeth don’t hurt, why do they need to be removed?

Your teen’s wisdom teeth may not be causing discomfort, but they could still lead to problems in the future. Wisdom teeth could be growing at an awkward angle and could push against their other teeth, causing pain or even damage to healthy teeth.

Another reason preventive wisdom teeth extraction is recommended is to prevent surgical complications. As your child gets older, they increase their risk for problems after the surgery, including bleeding, severe numbness, loss of movement in the jaw, or even fractured teeth. If wisdom teeth are removed when the patient is younger, before the roots are fully formed, he or she will be in a better position to recover easily from oral surgery.

Get your college-bound teen ready to “make the grade” by scheduling his or her wisdom teeth extraction this summer!

Call us to schedule your appointment 847-577-7171.


The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.’

Re-posted with permission. Source.

Protect Your Smile by Checking for These 6 Signs of Gum Disease

January 3, 2017

Filed under: Dental Tips — Tags: drkics @ 1:57 pm

Gum disease can have serious consequences. Protect yourself and check for these 6 signs of gum disease.

Gum disease is one of the least noticeable yet most common oral conditions worldwide. Given gum disease’s potentially serious yet invisible signs, how can you protect yourself from losing your smile?

Gum disease is no laughing matter. Millions of Americans are diagnosed with it each year and millions more remain untreated, leading to rapid decay and tooth loss. Additionally, gum disease has been linked with other serious health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and other issues.

For these reasons, it’s highly important to understand the invisible signs of gum disease to reduce your risk of developing serious health conditions, as well as the need for costly invasive dental treatments later on.

This article will expose the top six signs of gum disease and what you can do to protect your healthy smile.

Exposing six signs of gum disease

These are some of the commonly overlooked signs of gum disease. Have you been ignoring them?

  1. Reddish or swollen gums.
  2. Bleeding gums.
  3. Loose teeth.
  4. Gaps forming between teeth.
  5. Bad breath.
  6. Receding gums.

In the initial stages of gum disease, called gingivitis, you may notice your gums becoming inflamed or reddish. This condition is typically solved with proper hygiene and a simple hygiene treatment with your dentist.

If left untreated, gum disease may progress to the next stage, called periodontitis. Here is where you may begin to notice small amounts of blood in the sink when brushing or flossing. Other signs of this disease may include loose or sensitive teeth since the infection has likely spread and is now slowly harming the teeth and gum tissue.

The good news is that there are practical treatment plans designed to save your smile and health if you do have gum disease. If you are experiencing the symptoms described above, contact your dentist immediately to address the problem before matters get worse.

Assess your risk of gum disease with this quiz

Did you know 80% of adults will have gum disease during their lifetime?

Take this five-minute online quiz by Delta Dental to find out if you are at risk of developing gum disease.

Protect yourself by checking for 6 signs of gum disease and by following these tips to prevent it.

How to prevent gum disease at home

When it comes to your self-image and health, be proactive and prevent problems from developing in the first place. To protect yourself and your family from gum disease, proper hygiene, and regular dental checkups are necessary.

Prevent gum disease by following these important steps:

  • Brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day.
  • Floss daily.
  • Schedule a dental exam and cleaning every six months.
  • If you smoke, quit. Talk to your medical doctor for assistance to break this harmful habit.

Do not ignore the signs of gum disease

Gum disease’s invisible signs and multiple stages may build up secretly until a potentially severe condition develops!

If you experience swollen or bleeding gums, loosening teeth, or receding gums, be sure to contact your dentist as soon as possible.

Maintain good hygiene at home and make it a priority to have regular dental visits. With planning and prevention, gum disease doesn’t have to rob you of your health and happiness!


The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions. 

Re-posted with permission. Sourcehttps://www.roadsidedentalmarketing.com/blog/dental-articles/

Find Relief for Frequent Headaches and Jaw Pain [Infographic]

November 21, 2016

Filed under: Dental Tips — Tags: drkics @ 3:43 pm

Your dentist may be able to help you find relief from frequent headaches with TMD treatment.

Do you experience pain in your neck, shoulders, or ears? How about clicking, grating, or popping when you chew? Perhaps you suffer regularly from jaw pain or headaches? TMD may be the culprit! But you may wonder, “What is TMD, and how can I find relief?”

Pain associated with your jaw and the muscles that control it is referred to as TMD (temporomandibular joint disorder). Your dentist may be able to recommend solutions to help you find relief for frequent headaches and jaw pain. Learn more about TMD – statistics, symptoms, and solutions – in the infographic below:

Share this TMD infographic on your blog:

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Re-posted with permission. Sourcehttps://www.roadsidedentalmarketing.com/blog/dental-articles/

The Best Way to Tell Someone to Whiten Their Teeth

October 10, 2016

Filed under: Dental Tips — Tags: drkics @ 12:15 pm

A woman thinks "I wish he would whiten his teeth once and a while..."
We all know that person with the beautiful teeth and yellow smile. Your boss. Your boyfriend. Your sister. We care about people and want them to look their best. But teeth whitening can be a sensitive subject (no pun intended) and treatments can vary in price and effectiveness.

Why should people want a fresh, gleaming smile? What’s the best way to break the news?

Encourage teeth whitening with a subtle approach

According to the American Dental Association, in the past 20 years, teeth whitening has become one of the most popular esthetic dental treatments. The industry has been inundated with at-home treatments… from pens, strips, or even at-home trays… lights included. Why?

Here are a few reasons why everyone (including your friend) should get rid of that antique-looking smile:

Look younger

Do people with white teeth actually look younger? Well, according to a study conducted by OralB, it’s true! You can look five years younger and 20% more attractive with a whiter smile. Who doesn’t want those kind of results?

So try this with your friend:

  • “Hey, I read this article that professionally whitening your teeth can make you look five years younger. Sign me up, right? Have you ever thought about doing it?”

Improve self-confidence

Packaging sells. If your packaging looks good and you feel good in your skin, your confidence will translate to success. Not only your business life but also your personal life will improve.

Why not bait your friend with this:

  • “My dentist is offering an amazing whitening promotion this month! We have that big networking dinner coming up. If I look good, I’ll feel super confident and make more contacts for sure! You want in?”

Make a statement

First impressions are lasting impressions. Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you and whitening your teeth gives plenty of bang for your buck. After your first treatment, it’s much easier to stay on a schedule each year with your dentist to keep your pearly whites as white as possible.

Sell it this way:

  • “I need a change. I’m going to get my teeth whitened and spruce up my look! What do you think? Have you ever thought about it?”

If your clever statements to encourage your friend to improve their smile are not working as fast or as well as you planned, don’t give up. There is something more you can do!

What is the BEST way to tell someone to brighten their smile?

Inspiring teeth whitening by showing off your gleaming white smile.

If you’ve got a gorgeous pearly white smile, others will ask you how they can look as good as you!

Whiten YOUR teeth and inspire others

We think the best way to inspire someone is not by what you say, but by your example. Your friend or family member will be certain to notice your glamorous white smile and then you’ll be able to educate any who ask how to follow in your footsteps.

The best way to inspire someone is not by what you say, but by your example

Any whitening treatment will achieve the best results after a regular cleaning by your dentist. After your next cleaning, ask your dental professional to recommend the best treatment for you… and maybe a referral for your friend. Better yet, share this cool article on your favorite social platform below with all your friends and family.

Get people talking about your amazing smile! Call our office and book your appointment today. Don’t forget to ask about out October Teeth Whitening Special!

Other articles our patients enjoyed reading:

The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

Re-posted with permission. Sourcehttps://www.roadsidedentalmarketing.com/blog/dental-articles/

Join Our Cavity Free Club Today!

July 21, 2016

Filed under: Dental Tips — Tags: , , , drkics @ 9:44 am

Kids at Westgate Dental in the Cavity Free ClubKids at Westgate Dental in the Cavity Free ClubJacob and Ben Lashuk, Kids at Westgate Dental in the Cavity Free Club

At Westgate Dental we know that dentistry for kids is very different than dentistry for adults.  We get it, kids need to have fun even at the dentist.  We want your kids’ experience at the dentist to be enjoyable from the very beginning.  Our dentist and hygienists are skilled at dealing with the unique oral care needs of kids, from 3 through their teen years.  Including an understanding of child behavior.

“Join our Cavity Free Club today!”

Our Cavity Free Club is one way we try to keep things fun and light for kids.  Our goal is to promote good habits that will save your kids from lengthy procedures later on.  Healthy teeth make us happy.

Each child will receive a Cavity-Free Club T-shirt during their visit.  Its our way of showing how proud we are of the for their excellent oral care!  As a member of the Cavity-Free club, each time you have a cavity-free exam you will be entered into a drawing for a monthly prize!  One winner will be drawn at the end of each month. The prizes can vary from a teddy bear to a Fandango gift card! How awesome!

Stay Cavity Free

To help your kids be able to keep having those Cavity-Free visits, we recommend dental sealants. These are proven to help prevent tooth decay.  You can read much more about them in our recent blog post.  Kaylee, our hygiene team leader made these three points about dental sealants:

  • They are great for all ages, protective coating to prevent cavities. Recently a teenage patient told her the appointment was “quick, easy, and painless
  • The procedure doesn’t require any anesthetic, you’ll be in and out in under 20 minutes
  • I’ve had my sealants in for 15 years and still cavity-free!

Take advantage of our Summer special offer for dental sealants if you buy 3 you get 1 free! All the details of the special can be found on our homepage here. Call us today to make your appointment at  847-754-4480!

Cute kids in the Cavity Free Club at Westgate Dental Care     Cute kids in the Cavity Free Club at Westgate Dental Care    Cute kids in the Cavity Free Club at Westgate Dental Care

Have You Seen Our New Website? Checkout These Amazing Features!

April 12, 2016

Filed under: Dental News,Dental Tipsdrkics @ 1:07 pm

If you haven’t heard, WE LAUNCHED OUR NEW WEBSITE! Your Arlington Heights dentists understand life is busy, but dental care is important and should never be skimped out. That’s why we’ve partnered with Roadside Dental Marketing to build and design us a website that makes your life easier when it comes to dental care.

Just at glance, our website allows you to:

  • Request an appointment right on our site.
  • Call and get directions to our office right on your mobile device.
  • To learn about our modern services and why patients love us!
  • Download patient forms right on your computer

Connect With Us Online

 

RAA Form

Ready to schedule your appointment? Easy! Click on any button that says “Request an Appointment” and you can email our office staff when you and your children are available for an appointment. Someone from our office will get in touch with you to set it up.

 

We’ve Gone Mobile!

 

Mobiledesign

Now you can get to our website on any device of your choosing! Need to call or get directions? Just click on the phone icon to or map icon to get directions to Westgate Dental Care.

 

Get to Know Us

 

uniqueness

We believe your dental experience should anything but have the WOW EXPERIENCE! With Roadside’s help, our website will guide you through how we can make your dental visit memorable. We address anything about dental anxiety, finances, and time. We have it all! Take a look around and see it for yourself.

Downloadable AND Fillable Forms

 

Websiteform
“I love showing up 10 minutes before my appointment to fill out paperwork,” said no one ever! You can download new patient forms right on our website and fill them out at your convenience before your appointment. PLUS, we provide details on what you can expect on your first visit. Get your forms and appointment walkthrough HERE.

What do you love about our new website?

We’re curious to know your favorite parts of the website! Share them by commenting below!

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