There is no doubt that laser teeth whitening is one of the best procedures for people who seek a quick way to whiten their teeth. The procedure is readily available in almost every dental office near you including Celebrity Smiles in Westmont.
The reason why people often go for professional teeth whitening is that it can deal with multiple oral conditions through a single procedure, including tooth decay, gum disease, and of course, teeth whitening.
Laser teeth whitening is a very quick procedure thanks to the laser that activates hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide solution to produce fast results.
Although the procedure is quick and easy, you have every right to know about the pros and cons of laser teeth whitening. We talked to Celebrity Smiles and they let us know both the good and the bad sides of this specific dental treatment.
Pros of Laser Teeth Whitening
One of the best things about laser treatment is that the effects can be seen in just a few hours after the procedure has been completed. Laser treatment is being used everywhere in the medical industry today and it has the capability of achieving faster and better results.
The less time the patient has to spend at the clinic is one of the best things about this procedure since everybody is busy with their lives and anything that can be done in a matter of minutes or hours is welcoming.
Imagine you had an upcoming family event and you wanted to quickly turn those pale teeth into bright pearly ones, would teeth-whitening toothpaste work? Certainly not, at least not in a few days.
Cons of Laser Teeth Whitening
The only thing dentists warn about laser teeth whitening is that you may feel increased sensitivity in your teeth after the procedure is completed. This is because of the laser and the peroxides that are used.
Peroxides are usually used in high quantities for the procedure and it may not suit everyone. Some people even complain that experience certain gum related problems and other complications after the procedure has been completed.
Even though the side effects of the treatment are very few, you should still know what will happen if you go through the procedure. The dentists have a moral duty to tell you this, so never hesitate to ask them about the risks as well as the benefits.
At Celebrity Smiles, we believe everyone has the right to make an informed decision, this is why we hold a consultation session before we begin the treatment where the patient is told about everything they need to know about laser teeth whitening.
It’s not uncommon to have a root canal once in your life. However, the procedure itself has a reputation for being painful even days after it has been performed. By now you are probably already aware of what happens during the procedure but have you wondered what happens afterward and what post-treatment care is like?
We sat down with dentists at Celebrity Smiles, Westmont to discuss how your post root canal treatment care should be like.
What Happens After Root Canal
After the procedure has been performed, your dentist will send you home with a few instructions for immediate pain management and how to take care of the affected tooth after the procedure, and most likely a follow-up visit. It is very important to follow these guidelines especially if there is a temporary filling or crown in place.
Dentists use a special medication to numb the area around where the procedure is performed and this may wear off soon after. When it wears off, you will feel a little discomfort and tenderness in the affected area for a few days until everything heals.
These are temporary symptoms that can be treated with over-the-counter pain medication. But sometimes, a dentist may choose to prescribe strong pain relief medication or antibiotics depending on your problem.
It is very important to follow the instructions given to you by your dentist because strong pain management medication can make you feel drowsy so you should be very careful when performing tasks such as driving or operating risky machinery at work.
When Should You See a Dentist After Root Canal?
You are likely going to feel a different sensation in the treated tooth for some days. But if the symptoms such as pain are getting worse, you may have to immediately see your dentist again. These symptoms can range from:
Visible swelling in or outside your mouth
Severe pain lasting days after root canal
Returning symptoms prior to the procedure
Allergic reaction to a medication such as itching or rash
Post Root Canal Treatment Care Tips
After a root canal, you must wait until the numbness wears off before you eat anything. You must not chew or bite anything with the treated tooth until it has been completely healed and checked by the dentist in a follow-up visit.
Remember to continue to follow your oral care routine consisting of regular brushing and flossing. This will allow you to keep the treated area clean and avoid infection.
Once the root canal procedure and follow-up visits with the dentist are done, you will have to return to your dentist once again for the final crown to be placed so the tooth can be restored completely.
It is very important to make this appointment immediately after the root canal procedure has been completed. If everything goes accordingly, the treated tooth can last as long as any of your other teeth.
As a final note, make sure to continue to brush and floss your teeth alongside regular visits to the dentist for general dentistry. This way you are less likely to suffer from conditions that require a root canal.
We hope you never find yourself in this situation, but just in case, here are four toothpaste alternatives when the real thing is not within reach.
Have you ever been in this scenario? You squeeze down the very last ounce of toothpaste from the tube and the next morning you go to the bathroom to brush your teeth only to find out that there is nothing left.
What should you do when something like this happens, especially when you are traveling to remote areas? According to dentists at Celebrity Smiles, in Westmont, skipping brushing your teeth should never be your answer.
You have to make sure that your teeth are cleaned even if it means using toothpaste alternatives. In this post, we will reveal 4 great toothpaste alternatives you can use when you’re out of one.
The Best Toothpaste Alternatives
1. Use Baking Soda Instead
Many kinds of toothpaste use baking soda in their formula and there is a very good reason for it. Baking soda is used a lot for cleaning purposes because it is safe and effective especially when you don’t have a toothbrush or toothpaste.
So next time when you unexpectedly run out of toothpaste, just use some baking soda instead. You can apply the soda on a toothbrush, your finger, or cloth and brush your teeth!
2. Use Teeth Wipes In Emergency
If you don’t have baking soda or your teeth are sensitive to it, you can use teeth wipes. It is always a good idea to keep some teeth wipes in your bag or at home for quick cleaning. It is a great alternative to toothpaste since it can be used as small finger gloves that can help get rid of food particles and plaque by just rubbing your finger on your teeth.
Although teeth wipes are a great alternative, you should not be replacing them with toothpaste because they are not intended for daily use, so make sure only to use them when you really need them.
3. Chew Some Gum
Sugar-free gum is a very good way of cleaning your teeth when brushing your teeth is not possible. Chewing gum not only stimulates saliva production in the mouth, but it also helps clean your teeth by removing food particles and debris.
Again, chewing gum should not be used as a replacement for brushing teeth, however it can help you in times when you are absolutely out of toothpaste and other alternatives. Pop a gum after a meal and you’re good to go!
4. Use Hydrogen Peroxide or Mouthwash
Mouthwash or hydrogen peroxide are also good brushing and toothpaste alternatives. Both of these can help wash away bad bacteria from the mouth and as well as remove any food particles or debris stuck in your teeth.
If you have hydrogen peroxide available, only use it in moderate quantities and avoid swallowing it at all costs. Simply mix it with some water and swish in your mouth and spit to get the best results.
Not brushing your teeth because you ran out of toothpaste shouldn’t be an excuse when you have so many alternatives to brushing available. Whenever possible, use these to clean your teeth so that they can remain healthy and pearly white.
But remember, no amount of brushing and flossing can ensure absolutely perfect teeth. This is why it is important to visit a dentist for general dentistry services such as routine examinations and cleanings. Only a dentist can find underlying dental conditions that may pose a risk to your teeth.
Visit a dentist regularly alongside practicing good oral hygiene and you’re rarely run into trouble within your mouth.
If you absolutely need to pull a toddler’s loose teeth out, there are ways you can do it to minimize the pain.
You’ve probably wondered about this more than once – what should you do when the time comes to pulling your child’s loose teeth? At Celebrity Smiles & General Dentistry, Westmont, we compiled a list of dos and don’ts of pulling children’s teeth so you don’t have to think twice next time you see a loose tooth in your child’s mouth.
Children usually start losing milk teeth at around age six or seven. The teeth at the front of the mouth, also called incisors, are usually the first batch of teeth to loosen up and go. When permanent teeth start coming in their place, the roots of the baby tooth usually dissolve till the tooth is loose enough to fall out without causing pain or blood.
However, there are times when the teeth may not fall out as easily as you may have expected and parents are left to wonder what to do. One choice is to see the dentist for general dentistry or attempt to remove the tooth on your own. The best thing to do however is to wait until the tooth falls on its own.
There are a bunch of myths that explain how you can pull a loose tooth. It usually involves tying a string to the tooth and a doorknob and then slamming shut the door hard. But this is actually pretty bad for your kid’s oral health. If the teeth are not ready to fall out naturally, any attempt to pull them may cause pain. It can also result in excessive bleeding, infection, and damage to tissue.
If you see the tooth still attached to the roots, it is best to not attempt to pull it and ask your children to do the same. Encourage them to keep the teeth in their place until they loosen up a bit more. You can help in this matter by encouraging your kids to brush regularly or eat food like an apple to help loosen the teeth so it falls out naturally.
If, however, you believe the tooth is ready to come out but has overstayed its welcome, then you can pull the tooth on your own by following the steps written below by a professional.
How to Pull a Toddler’s Loose Teeth
According to dentists at Celebrity Smiles, this is the best way to pull a loose baby tooth.
Wash your hands and disinfect them. Use your fingers to wiggle the tooth back and forth with a piece of tissue or clean cloth. If it is ready to come out, just twist it a little and it should pop out easily.
Now apply some pressure to the area with a gauze pad if you see some form of bleeding. The bleeding naturally stops within a few minutes.
Now see the gums to make sure it is clear of any remains of the baby tooth. In many cases, the area is usually clean and you may even see the top of permanent tooth sprouting from the hole. If however you detect fragments of the baby tooth, visit your dentist immediately for careful extraction.
If your child is uncomfortable the next day, or you see redness on the area, make an appointment with one of our dentists to be sure that the area is not infected.
If you are unsure of anything, the best course of action is to consult your dentist for the best solution. Feel free to contact our dental office and we will help you with any questions or concerns you have.
Sometimes you just really need to know how to control and prevent gag reflex.
The gag reflex is a perfectly normal thing. It is in fact your body’s way of protecting you from choking on things.
It occurs when you put any foreign thing in your mouth and when the throat naturally contracts when the thing touches your soft palate. This is a natural contraction that is called the gag reflex or the pharyngeal reflex. It prevents you from getting your airways blocked.
This is a good thing until you realize that it also occurs during brushing your teeth or while sitting in the dentist’s chair. At Celebrity Smiles & General Dentistrys, we have many patients who are unable to control their gag reflex when a dental procedure is being conducted on them. Worst of all, if you are unable to control it, it could result in you becoming anxious and breaking out in a cold sweat.
So how do you reduce dental gag reflex? Let’s see what the dentists at Celebrity Smiles, Westmont, have to say.
Prevent Gag Reflex During Dental Procedures
Some patients are unable to control their gag reflex when brushing their teeth or getting a dental procedure done at a dentist. This is almost always instantaneous and involuntary and makes it impossible for dentists to complete even the most basic dental care procedures.
As a result, many patients may become hesitant to visit a dentist for general dentistry until they face a significant problem with their teeth. It can also become quite an embarrassing problem for patients.
However, rest assured, there is a way to prevent gag reflex through desensitization, which is basically training your soft palate to not abruptly react to objects without gagging. And the best way to prevent it is to practice it while brushing your teeth.
Here are some desensitization tips to prevent gag reflex:
Find out when the gag reflex happens. To do this, use your toothbrush to brush your tongue. Start from the tip of the tongue and make your way deeper until the gag reflex happens.
Try to keep brushing this part for 10 seconds. When you have found the spot when this happens, train yourself not to gag naturally by inducing some gagging. Stop brushing when you feel that you can’t take this anymore. Train yourself daily until you can calmly brush your tongue on the same spot for at least 10 seconds.
Reach deeper into the mouth. When you have finally gained the control of your gag reflex on the spot, try reaching deeper. Keep moving further until you have moved to the farthest spot the brush can reach and you can comfortably brush there for at least 10 seconds.
If you want to prevent gagging while brushing your teeth, dentists highly recommend using an electric toothbrush or slowly increasing the brushing area as you go. During dental treatments, try and concentrate to breathe through your nose or use a nasal decongestant before you head to the dentist.
Talk to Your Dentist in Advance
At Celebrity Smiles & General Dentistry, we understand how to gag reflex can be embarrassing and a reason for patients to not come to our office. Gagging can also be caused by psychological factors so it is very important to work with a dentist you can trust.
We take extra care to learn about the discomforts that our patients feel during dental treatment. Talk to us in advance when you come in for a procedure and we’ll take extra care while providing treatment to you. We will also recommend exercises to help you reduce or prevent gag reflex.
Using mouthwash regularly is an excellent way to keep your teeth and gums healthy and strong, but only if you use it properly. Here is the thing, there are many people who do not know how to properly use it. If you think you are using it the way it was meant to be, you will be surprised after reading what dentists at Celebrity Smiles & General Dentistry have to say.
All Mouthwashes Are Not Made Equal
The benefits you get from a mouthwash largely depends on what type it is. They are classified as therapeutic and cosmetic. If you rinse your mouth with the cosmetic type, it will loosen food particles from your teeth, temporarily reduce bad breath, kill bacteria in your mouth, and will give you a refreshing taste.
Therapeutic rinses, on the other hand, have additional active ingredients added in them such as cetyl pyridinium chloride, essential oils, and chlorhexidine with fluoride. All of these are proven to not only reduce plaque but also help fight cavities. These carry with them the seal of approval from the American Dental Association.
In other words, choose wisely!
Mouthwash is Completely Harmless
You may think rinses are harmless, dentists believe otherwise. Did you know these products contain a high amount of alcohol in them? If you’ve ever felt having a dry mouth after using one regularly, this is why.
In some people, alcohol can also cause tooth sensitivity and other problems. So when you go out shopping for a mouthwash, try and get your hands on an alcohol-free one. You may still not be safe from the side effects since there are many other chemicals added to the product, but you’ll largely stay safe if you don’t excessively use these.
Mouthwash Can Never Replace Brushing
A lot of people think that a quick swish of mouth rinse is enough to have healthy teeth and gums. The truth is nothing can beat brushing and flossing your teeth. Regular brushing and flossing do a better job of removing plaque and other food debris from your teeth.
Even research has proven that using only a mouthwash is not enough. The key is to combine all of the above to get the best out of oral care. And don’t forget, even if you follow good oral hygiene practices, there are still some hidden ways your teeth and gums can be exposed to certain problems and diseases.
To keep your teeth and gums in perfect health, the American Dental Association recommends visiting your dentist on a regular basis. By regular we do not mean going to the dental office every month – the best time to go to a dentist is at least every six months or when you suspect something is wrong with your teeth.
Conclusion
Mouthwashes are great for killing bacteria, fixing the problem of bad breath, and maintaining good oral hygiene. However, you must never use these excessively and should never replace them completely with brushing and flossing.
If you suspect there is something wrong with your oral health, visit Celebrity Smiles & General Dentistry in Westmont, IL today for a quick check-up.
Today we discuss why dentists recommend tap water for better teeth health.
Did you know your habit of drinking water from a bottle could indirectly be promoting tooth decay? It may come as a surprising thing because after all, bottled water doesn’t contain sugar or carbohydrates that convert into sugar and cause tooth decay, right?
Even though there is no sugar or sneaky carbohydrates involved, bottled water also does not contain fluoride in it, the important element that makes your teeth strong and prevents cavities and tooth decay.
Since manufacturers of these bottles treat the water in a special way, there is no fluoride left in the water. While some companies add fluoride to their water, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the U.S does not require these companies to list the amount they add unless it has to be in a set limit.
In other words, if it is bottled water you are drinking, you are not getting enough fluoride.
Why is Fluoride so Important for Your Teeth?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral and according to researchers, kids who drink more tap water have fewer cavities. When this was discovered, it was a huge thing because, before the discovery, many adults and children alike suffered from cavities and tooth decay leading to permanent removal of their teeth.
Ever since then communities around the world started adding fluoride to the water supplies. It has been like that since the 1940s. And over the following years, many other studies have provided enough evidence that fluoride found in tap water is a very safe and effective way to prevent decay and cavities. In fact, it can even help reverse tooth decay!
The Centers for Disease and Control has named this move one of the biggest public health achievements of the 20th century. In other words, tap water is a much better source of drinking water compared to bottled water. Just make sure that your community water supply is fluoridated before consuming tap water.
Why You Should Replace Bottled Water with Tap Water for Better Teeth Health?
If you have children at home, it is very important that you encourage the use of tap water in your home because children need healthy levels of fluoride in their bodies for healthy and strong teeth.
The fluoride found in toothpaste and professional treatments like preventative dentistry are an excellent way to ensure that your children are safe from tooth decay and cavities. But it is necessary that fluoride is also ingested through tap water to completely protect the teeth health.
So next time you reach out for a glass of water for yourself or your child, consider reaching for tap water through a filtering system. You’ll boost the teeth health for your family and you’ll also do something good for the environment.
At Celebrity Smiles & General Dentistry, we believe in providing the best dental health care possible to you and your family through modern procedures and sound advice. For a regular dental exam, get in touch with us today.
Iron is important for your oral health because it is central to hemoglobin, the oxygen-binding molecule in your red blood cells.
Iron deficiency can lead to anemia – a condition that occurs when your body is unable to produce a sufficient amount of red blood cells. Because red blood cells carry oxygen with them throughout your bloodstream, a lack of them can keep the body from getting sufficient oxygen.
This leads to a variety of oral conditions such as soreness in the tongue, lack of color in gums, and many other problems that can impact your overall oral health and energy levels.
How Insufficient Iron Impacts Oral Health
Anemia reduces the number of red blood cells which can lead to paleness in the gums. This is a condition recognized by dentists as anemia gums. You can tell that you have an iron deficiency if your healthy pink gums begin to fade or change shade from their normal color.
The paleness in your gums can also affect your tongue color and the mucous membranes in the mouth as well as the lining of your eyes, and your palms. These are very important symptoms of iron deficiency and anemia. Other oral conditions include:
Redness of the tongue
Swollen tongue
Painful tongue
Deficiency Can Lead To Serious Illness
No matter what the symptoms of anemia, it is very important for you to visit a dentist to evaluate any changes in your gum and tongue color. These changes can reveal several systematic problems in the mouth and can lead to serious illness if ignored. Indeed, iron is important for your oral health.
Dentists especially recommend having your teeth checked for anemia gums because it can lead to conditions such as bone marrow problems or leukemia.
If you suffer from anemia, let one of our dentists at Celebrity Smiles & General Dentistry know. We will prescribe special antimicrobial rinses to help prevent periodontal diseases. We may even prescribe antibiotic medicine to cut down your risk of related infections.
This is especially important if you recently went through an oral surgery to prevent excessive bleeding. Your dentist should be able to recommend changes in treatment and the tools they need to prevent problems. Patients who suffer from extreme anemia might be in need of more oxygen depending on the treatment.
What Is The Treatment for Anemia
To be able to find the right treatment for the condition, it is important to know what kind of anemia you have. But the end result is always a lack of red blood cells and oxygen delivery to your body.
The treatment vary based on the type of anemia you have. For instance, if you suffer from pernicious anemia which is typically caused by the lack of Vitamin B12, you may be required to take B12 in supplementation form.
However, the most common form of anemia is iron-deficiency anemia. This occurs when the body is unable to process the iron that keeps you up all day. Recommended treatment includes taking iron supplements as well as making healthy diet changes to include foods that are rich in iron such as dark green vegetables and red meat.
Interested to learn more about why iron is important for your oral health? Contact Celebrity Smiles & General Dentistry in Westmont today for preventative dentistry and prevent any underlying dental conditions from becoming worse.
Our patients frequently want to know: is teeth whitening permanent? Here are our honest answers.
If you’re considering getting professional teeth whitening from a dentist in Westmont, then you probably have a lot of questions including whether it lasts a lifetime. Believe it or not, we get a lot of patients who are concerned about the longevity of this cosmetic procedure and the answer usually surprises them a lot.
The truth is that no matter how high-end and effective dental bleach is used in the procedure, it will not last forever – but the good news is that it will give you several years of a beautiful smile that you can flaunt confidently.
Why isn’t it permanent? You’ll have to understand everything about the procedure to find out the answer. So let’s have a look at it in detail.
How Long Will Professional Teeth Whitening Last?
If you’re opting for home-based whitening solutions such as white strips, they can last about six months or less before going completely ineffective. It will depend on what you eat and how often you brush your teeth.
Although these over-the-counter whitening products seem very attractive and affordable at first glance, they can easily add up in bills that result in you paying about $100-$150 in a year and the results aren’t as strong as cosmetic teeth whitening like we do here at our office.
At Celebrity Smiles & General Dentistry, we use a high-end process that can last for years to come especially if you are good at taking care of your oral hygiene. We use a special gel and light to eliminate stains on the teeth. The results are almost instant and you’ll begin to see an improvement of 6-8 shades through it.
Extending Life Of Teeth Whitening Procedure
How long your teeth will remain brilliantly white depends a lot on the dental bleaching that is used as well as the food you eat and how good you are at oral hygiene. Most cosmetic dentistry services that you receive from a cosmetic dentist come with an after-care routine or package that you must follow to keep your smile looking pearly white.
Aside from the after-care plan you get, you must look after your eating habits and maintain a good oral hygiene routine to increase the life of the procedure. You will have to reduce consuming food and beverages like dark sodas, wine, tea, and coffee. You may even have to give up smoking for extended results.
Dentists also recommend that you drink a lot of water every day and practice oral hygiene regularly to prevent the teeth from getting yellow. When you get the cosmetic procedure, you must make sure to avoid any food or beverage that can stain your teeth because the first few days are particularly important.
Avoid acidic food and drinks that damage your enamel and keep brushing your teeth with a toothpaste recommended by your dentist.
So is teeth whitening permanent? The answer is no. Cosmetic teeth whitening may not be permanent but you can easily extend its life and have a bright smile for years to come.
If you want to learn more about the process, get in touch with Celebrity Smiles & General Dentistry today at 630-626-8989 or fill an online contact form on our website.
345 W Ogden Ave Westmont, IL 60559
