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Why Does My Jaw Click, Pop, and Ache?

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Here’s a little experiment:

Place your fingers on the sides of your face, just ahead of your ears. Now, open and close your mouth. That movement you feel is your two temporomandibular joints (TMJ) at work! These joints connect your jaw to your skull and help you eat, talk, sing, and do anything that requires your mouth to move. Sometimes, these joints can become painful or might click or pop. Research estimates around 10 million people are affected by some sort of TMJ dysfunction—including some of our very own patients at Dental Health and Beauty in Libertyville, IL! Keep reading to learn more about this issue and what can be done about it.

Signs & Symptoms of TMJ Dysfunction

Signs and symptoms of TMJ dysfunction, which can affect one or both temporomandibular joints, may include:

  • Jaw, face, and neck pain
  • Stiffness or abnormal movement in the jaw (sometimes it might feel like your jaw will lock or pop out of place)
  • Clicking or popping in the jaw
  • Malocclusion (when the upper and lower teeth don’t line up properly)
  • Tooth sensitivity without any known dental infection or dental problem
  • Earaches

What Causes TMJ Dysfunction?

The temporomandibular joints are made of an elegant coordination of muscles, ligaments, tendons, bones, cartilage, and other tissues. Sometimes, any one of these tissues can become affected or impaired, leading to dysfunction in the joint.]Some of the most common causes of TMJ include:

  • Slouching with a forward head or other types of poor posture that strain the neck and TMJ
  • Physical trauma that affects the TMJ or jaw, such as a blow to the head or whiplash
  • Teeth grinding (called bruxism) or frequent jaw clenching, which are often related to stress or other underlying health conditions
  • Abnormal tooth alignment
  • Growing-in wisdom teeth
  • Genetic factors including a cleft palate

Sometimes, you might not know exactly what’s causing your TMJ dysfunction. Fortunately, professional treatment may still be able to help you. To help you find relief, our Libertyville dentist can offer custom mouthguards and other devices, jaw exercises, pain-relieving medications, and more. Struggling with TMJ dysfunction? Contact Dr. Nicholas Polito of Dental Health and Beauty at (847) 367-1133 to schedule a dental exam and get the solutions you deserve.

Your Tongue Can Provide Clues to Your Health

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The normal characteristics of the tongue include being moist, thicker in the center than it is at the edges (with the thickest part at its base), and covered with a light, white coating. If your tongue has different characteristics than those associated with a normal tongue, they can provide insight into your overall health. So, then the question is; what is your tongue trying to say?

Here’s What Your Tongue is Trying to Tell You

Take a look at your tongue in the mirror, if you have any of the characteristics listed below, you may want to make an appointment for a checkup with Dr. Nicholas Polito at Dental Health and Beauty in Libertyville, Illinois.

A Persistent Lump or Sore

Individuals over the age of 40 are at an increased risk for the development of oral cancer, especially those who smoke or chew tobacco.

Typically, the first sign of mouth cancer is a persistent lump or sore on the side of the tongue. Some of the other symptoms include numbness, bleeding, white or red patches.

If you have any of these symptoms, seek treatment right away. When diagnosed and treated early on, the prognosis of oral cancer is usually good.

White Patches

Although white patches may indicate mouth cancer, there are other reasons that these patches develop.

Other causes of white patches include:

  • Chronic alcohol consumption.
  • Poor dental hygiene.
  • Chewing or smoking tobacco.
  • Thrush.

If the white patches developed due to poor oral hygiene, you need to implement a daily routine that includes brushing twice a day (in two-minute intervals), with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Be sure to use a toothpaste that contains fluoride. This toothpaste should have the ADA’s Seal of Approval. In addition, you need to floss at least once a day.

If you frequently drink alcoholic beverages, reducing your consumption of these beverages may help.

Breaking the habit of chewing or smoking tobacco can help improve the appearance of the teeth themselves as well as prevent the development of white patches related to the use of these products. In addition, your likelihood of developing mouth cancer decreases.

Thrush is caused by the overdevelopment of a yeast-like fungus (i.e., Candida albicans). Although the overdevelopment of Candida albicans is more common in babies, people of any age can develop thrush.

Inflammation

Common reasons for tongue swelling include accidentally biting it, as a reaction to taking a drink of an extremely hot beverage, or attempting to consume a really hot piece of food.

If your tongue begins to swell after consuming something you have never eaten or following an insect sting, seek medical assistance right away. This inflammation may be due to an allergic reaction, which, if left untreated, could be fatal because as the tongue swells it can impair an individual’s ability to breathe.

If you have any of the symptoms listed above or need a checkup, contact Dental Health and Beauty at 847-367-1133 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Nicholas Polito. You can also use the online appointment request form by clicking here. Dental Health and Beauty is located at 1109 West Park Avenue in Libertyville, Illinois.

 

Dental Hygiene from Preschool to Kindergarten: What Parents Need to Know

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Since a healthy mouth is an integral part of a child’s overall health, parents need to teach their children how to properly care for their teeth. By establishing an at-home dental care routine and scheduling biannual visits to the dentist, parents are showing their children the importance of practicing good oral hygiene.

Oral Hygiene from Birth to 6 Months

Healthy habits now can prevent or reduce cavities later. Once their baby is done eating, parents need to clean their baby’s gums.

Wrap a clean, moistened washcloth around the end of the index finger and use it to gently massage the baby’s gum tissue.

Teething usually starts between 4 to 6 months. Cold temperatures help soothe the symptoms associated with teething therefore, parents can ease these symptoms by providing their infant with a clean, refrigerated teething ring (not frozen) or a clean, cold wet washcloth.

Dental decay is transmissible, as such, parents need to avoid holding the infant’s bottle or testing its temperature and cleaning the nipple (or pacifier) with their mouths. In addition, utensils should not be shared (e.g., spoons, etc.).

Mothers who breastfeed must also clean their infants’ mouths following feedings. Whether a baby is using a bottle or breastfeeding, once the baby’s teeth begin to erupt, night feedings should be discontinued.

6 to 12 Months

Once the first tooth erupts, in addition to massaging the child’s gum tissue, parents can begin brushing with plain water and a child-sized toothbrush that has soft bristles.

Parents should monitor the appearance of their child’s teeth and gum tissue. If brown or white spots develop, this could indicate decay. If these characteristics are present, parents should call 847-367-1133 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Nicholas Polito.

Unless a problem arises, children should have their first dental appointment before their first birthday or within six months of the first tooth’s eruption, whichever comes first.

From 12 Months to Kindergarten

Parents should brush their child’s teeth two times a day (just using plain water) and gently floss once.

Once their child reaches the age of 2, parents can begin using a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste, however, after brushing, make sure this toothpaste is spat out.

By the time a child reaches 2 ½, all his or her primary teeth should have erupted. At this point, parents can begin teaching their children how to brush and floss.

When children reach the age of 3, they should no longer be drinking a bottle, sucking their thumb or using a pacifier.

If a child is older than 3 and still sucks his or her thumb, drinks from a bottle or uses a pacifier, parents should speak with Dr. Polito, he will have some tips on ways they can help their child with breaking these habits. Also, parents who reside in an area where the drinking water is not fluoridated need to let Dr. Nicholas Polito at Dental Health and Beauty know. He may recommend a fluoride supplement.

By the time children turn 6 or 7, they can usually brush their teeth and floss without supervision. In addition to the biannual cleanings and exams the child has at Dental Health and Beauty, parents need to keep an eye out for cavities. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Nicholas Polito, call 847-367-1133 or click here. Dental Health and Beauty is located at 1109 West Park Avenue in Libertyville, Illinois.

 

What Causes Cavities to Form?

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The bacteria that live in the plaque on the teeth is responsible for the formation of cavities. This is why, if proper dental care is neglected, cavities may result.

What Causes Cavities to Form?

Poor dental hygiene leads to a buildup of plaque, which is a sticky film that adheres to the teeth. This accumulation of plaque often results in tooth decay (aka cavities). The bacteria in the mouth stick to the plaque and begin breaking down the food particles and the sugar left behind. The bacteria release acid, which attacks the enamel, slowly destroying the teeth.

Who Is At Greatest Risk for Developing Cavities?

Cavities are predominant in young children because the enamel on primary teeth is more sensitive than that on the permanent teeth. Sweet foods and sugary drinks can easily damage primary teeth. Furthermore, children, especially those who are younger, are more likely to be challenged with performing proper dental hygiene.

Although permanent teeth are stronger than baby teeth, they are rather sensitive when they first grow in. Enamel that has just broken through the gums has not fully hardened, making it more prone to decay.

How Can I Find Out If I Have a Cavity?

Even if there are no visible signs of a cavity or pain being experienced, dentists train for years to learn how to find tooth decay. The dentist visually examines the teeth. In addition, X-rays can be taken to determine how deep a cavity is.

What Does a Cavity Look like?

The first visible sign of decay is a white or brown spot on the surface of the affected tooth. If this decay is left untreated, small holes will develop in the tooth.

What Are the Symptoms of a Cavity?

Once the nerve root of the decaying tooth is exposed, the pain begins. At this point, the consumption of hot, cold, sweet and/or acidic food, and drink can lead to tooth pain.

How Are Cavities Treated?

To fix a cavity, the dentist removes the decayed tooth matter and then fills the empty space with a synthetic material or precious metal.

If the nerve root is damaged, a root canal with a crown may be suggested, however, there are times when the tooth needs to be pulled. The missing tooth can be replaced with a flipper, a bridge or a dental implant.

How Can I Prevent Cavity Formation?

Implementing a daily routine of brushing, flossing and using an antiseptic mouthwash will reduce the number of acid-creating bacteria. In addition, dental hygiene experts recommend visiting a dentist at least twice a year for a dental exam and professional cleaning.

Dr. Nicholas Polito offers cosmetic and general dentistry services. He is also certified in Invisalign treatment. Dr. Polito’s caring demeanor and love of dentistry make him one of the top dental providers in and around Libertyville, Illinois. His office address is 1109 West Park Avenue, Libertyville, Illinois. To schedule an appointment, call (847) 367-1133.

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Cosmetic Dentistry FAQ

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When you are ready to improve how your smile looks, consider the services of Dental Health and Beauty. Our dentist Nicholas Polito, DDS is ready to assist you with cosmetic dentistry treatments. We specialize in teeth whitening, dental implants, cosmetic bonding, and other types of common cosmetic dental procedures. Find out more about these kinds of treatments and how you can get started at our dentist in Libertyville, Illinois.

When Should I Ask for Cosmetic Dentistry Treatments?

If you are interested in improving the look of your smile, whether due to missing or discolored teeth, now is a perfect time. We can use cosmetic dental treatments to restore one or more teeth. In addition, we offer bonding and veneers as a way to bring the best out of your smile. All of these services are available today to benefit you and your family members. Best of all, we are an affordable choice for dental care in Libertyville, IL.

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If I Have Decayed Teeth is Cosmetic Dentistry the Right Choice?

We can help you improve the look of your teeth, even decayed teeth. We will start by evaluating your oral condition to determine the underlying oral health concerns. Then we can treat this dental problem at the root, literally, so you can have a smile that is as healthy as it looks.

Are Porcelain Veneers a Safe Procedure and How Long Do These Last?

An increasingly popular cosmetic dentistry procedure that patients request is porcelain veneers. Our veneers are designed in all-natural hues to best mimic the actual look and color of your existing teeth. This way you can protect your teeth and gums from further damage and pain. In addition, you regain the original finish of your tooth before the imperfections, such as chipped or broken teeth. We will help you maintain your porcelain veneers for years to come by offering regular dental exams and teeth cleanings, as well as helpful tips on how to best care for your veneers at home.

Choose Cosmetic Dentistry in Libertyville, Illinois

As the leading dental clinic in Libertyville, Illinois, we will help you and your family feel better about your smile through cosmetic dentistry. Contact Nicholas Polito, DDS at 847-367-1133 to schedule your dental visit at Dental Health and Beauty today.