Your Tongue Can Provide Clues to Your Health

/0 Comments/in , , /by

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

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

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.

 

How to Get Your Kids to Brush Their Teeth

/0 Comments/in , /by

If there is one thing kids seem adamantly opposed to, it is brushing their teeth. However, since you know getting your kids to brush their teeth regularly will result in excellent dental and perhaps overall health, it is an important part of the day that should never be overlooked. If you’ve been struggling with this challenge, here are some fun ways we guarantee will make your kids look forward to brushing their teeth.

Make it a Party

Since dentists recommend taking two minutes to brush one’s teeth, turn those two minutes with the toothbrush into a party. For example, for those two minutes twice per day, play your child’s favorite song and have you and your kids show off your best dance moves as they’re brushing. While you may embarrass your kids a bit with your dancing, before they know it they’ll be all done with brushing.

The Family that Brushes Together

Rather than simply telling your kids to go brush their teeth after a meal, why not join them at the bathroom sink? By making brushing a family affair, you not only set a good example for your kids, but also make it easier to establish a regular brushing routine. Before you know it, brushing will become second-nature for your kids.

Positive Reinforcement and Rewards

For some kids, simply having mom or dad give them a high-five or a hug after brushing will be incentive enough to make it a regular habit. If you like, you can offer some type of reward for brushing, such as allowing your kids to pick out their favorite bedtime story or let them decide what they want for breakfast the next morning.

Picking Out Their Toothbrush and Toothpaste

One of the best ways to get your kids to brush their teeth is to let them pick out their own toothbrush and toothpaste. While your dentist in Libertyville always recommends you adhere to ADA standards when doing so, today’s toothbrushes and toothpastes come in many different styles, colors, and even fun flavors.

To make sure your kids continue brushing regularly and maintain excellent dental health as they get older, be sure to contact your dentist in Libertyville as soon as possible to set up your child’s next dental appointment.

 

Girl after teeth whitening

Keep Your Teeth Dazzling White with These Tips

/0 Comments/in , /by

Once professional teeth whitening has your smile just how you want it, you must do the heavy lifting to ensure it stays that way. Otherwise, the stains may come back with a vengeance. Oftentimes, just from eating and drinking the wrong things or improperly caring for your teeth. So, taking the time to figure out what it takes to keep your teeth dazzling white is well worth the effort. Here are some tips to help you out.

Skip the Coffee, Soda, and Similar Drinks

Coffee, soda, and similar beverages are bad news for teeth. Their acidic compounds and deep pigments can quickly cause stains to set in along with a host of other problems. As you invest in the health and appearance of your teeth, it just makes sense to ditch these drinks for good. If you just cannot hack it, then use a straw whenever you have to have your morning cup of Joe.

Rinse Your Teeth After Eating

Food also has the potential to leave your teeth with stains, decimating your professional teeth whitening results. Although it is mostly the deeply-pigmented foods, like berries, that are the problem, you should be proactive after every meal by treating your teeth to a quick rinse. Just plain water is enough, though you can use mouthwash if you wish. By washing away food particles after eating, you protect your tooth enamel from stains and keep bacteria at bay at the same time.

Brush, Floss, and Rinse Daily

Proper oral care is paramount when it comes to keeping your teeth looking and feeling their best. You should aim to brush twice a day, morning and night, for at least two minutes at a time. Consider switching to an electric toothbrush to improve your efficiency in removing food particles and tartar when you brush. After brushing, use a quality floss and mouthwash to clean between your teeth and wash away any lingering debris.

When you follow these tips, you can keep your professional teeth whitening results around for far longer than you ever thought possible. If you need any help keeping your teeth white and stain-free, schedule follow-up treatments with your trusted dentist in Libertyville, IL. Give us a call at 847-367-1133 to schedule your appointment today.

Routine Dental Care Limits Dental Health Risks

/0 Comments/in , /by

Keeping your teeth as healthy as possible is always the best route to take. Routine dental care allows you to avoid many of the most common oral health problems, including cavities and gum disease. What type of preventative care do you need?

At Home Dental Care

Preventative dental care starts at home. Brushing your teeth at least two times a day is recommended. Use a medium softness brush. And, be sure to brush your tongue, too. This helps to keep bacteria levels low. It’s also necessary to floss daily and use a mouth rinse as well.

Eat a Healthy Diet

What you eat contributes to your oral health. A balanced diet for oral health should limit the amount of sugary foods you consume. Sugar feeds bacteria and makes it more challenging to fight off cavities. It’s also important to limit carbs, consume more water, and eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

Visiting Your Dentist

It’s best to visit your dentist at least one time every six months. When you do, you’ll receive a full oral exam and teeth cleaning. This is also the best time to learn about any types of dental problems such as gum disease or cavities. If you do have any type of decay occurring, getting help for it right away helps limit the risk of a more complex problem.

Additionally, preventative dental care also gives your dental team the ability to spot more complex problems early on. This includes enamel loss and periodontitis. It’s a good time to talk about your cosmetic dental needs as well.

Why You Need Preventative Dentistry

When you have good oral health, you see numerous benefits:

  • Your teeth remain healthy and white longer
  • You may minimize secondary health complications such as diabetes and heart disease
  • You may extend the life of your teeth as well

Get the Preventative Care You Need Today

Protecting your teeth is critical. Coming in for a routine checkup at least one time every six months is ideal. For all of your dental health needs, visit Dental Health and Beauty and Nicolas Polito, DDS. Give us a call now at 847-367-1133.