jaw popping

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.

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.

 

“Why Do My Teeth Look Serrated?” and Other Cosmetic Questions About Your Smile

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Your smile is so much a part of who you are and how you feel, and even the smallest issues can seem like a big deal when you open your mouth. When it comes down to it, there are a lot of small cosmetic dental issues that cause a lot of concern, but most people have no idea how easy most issues are to mend with the help of a good cosmetic dentist. Here is a look at a few of the most common questions about small cosmetic issues with teeth.

Why Do My Teeth Look Serrated?

It is actually quite common for permanent teeth to have a small amount of serration. These tiny points are meant to help you grasp and rip through your food, but most of the time, the serrations are so minimal that they are barely noticeable. If you have front teeth that are especially serrated, it can make you a bit self-conscious about your smile, but the issue is relatively easy to fix. The dentist can actually use special tools to shave down the tiny points so they are not as noticeable.

Why Do My Teeth Look Grey or Yellow No Matter How Clean They Are?

You can brush your teeth religiously, floss, and even attend your dental hygiene appointments and still have issues with the shade of your teeth. The natural shades of teeth can vary due to a lot of reasons, including genetics. For people who have this issue, something like veneers can be a good solution.

Why Do My Teeth Have a Ridged Appearance Along the Surface?

Much like some teeth can have serrated edges, some teeth can also have a sort-of ridged surface. These ridges are referred to as mamelons, and they naturally show up in newly grown permanent teeth. While mamelons often wear down over time, some individuals have ridges that are more prominent and easy to see. If this is you, the dentist can perform cosmetic procedures to soften the ridges and make them less visible.

Contact Us to Discuss Cosmetic Dentistry in Libertyville, IL

Make sure you are happy enough with your smile that you can share it confidently with everyone. Reach out to us at Dental Health and Beauty Nicholas Polito, DDS in Libertyville, IL to schedule an appointment for a cosmetic consultation to determine what we can do to help you with your smile.

4 Reasons to Get Your Teeth Cleaned

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If you’re like many busy people, you often put off having your teeth professionally cleaned because it seems like just one more thing to try to cram into an active schedule. However, having your teeth cleaned on a regular basis has a variety of benefits and has the potential to save you significant amounts of time and money in the long run. Most dentists recommend that you have professional teeth cleaning once every six months. The following are just four of the many benefits of having your teeth professionally cleaned.

Your Smile Will Be Brighter

Your teeth will be noticeably whiter and brighter after a professional cleaning session. An appealing smile increases confidence and self-esteem, helping you thrive in both work and social settings.

Your Dentist Will Be Able to Spot Any Emerging Issues

Many oral health issues can be kept in check or even reversed if they are discovered in the initial stages. Gingivitis, for instance, is the first stage of gum disease. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontal disease, which involves possible loss of teeth and damage to the cardiovascular system as well as time-consuming, costly treatments. Your dentist will also notice any developing cavities and treat them while they are still in the emergent stage rather than waiting until they grow large enough to start causing toothache pain and forming abscesses.

You’ll Have Less Bacterial Buildup on Your Teeth

Plaque is a buildup of bacteria that develops on the surface of the teeth. Although good oral hygiene at home can help reduce plaque, it doesn’t remove all of it. Over time, plaque buildup can lead to a variety of oral health issues, such as tooth decay and gum disease.

Your Breath Will Be Fresher

Bacterial buildup is also a major cause of bad breath. Even if you floss and brush on a regular basis and use breath mints, you still may have bad breath due to bacteria present in the mouth.

Think of professional teeth cleaning session as deep cleaning for your mouth. Please feel free to reach out to us at your convenience to schedule teeth cleaning session or dental examination with a member of our skilled staff.

 

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.

Common Myths and Misconceptions About Dentures

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According to the American Academy of Prosthodontics, about 23 people in the United States have no teeth at all, and 90 percent of those people do have dentures. For many years, dentures have been the go-to solution for people with no teeth, but there are also a lot of myths about dentures that prevent people who could benefit from dentures from actually getting them.

Myth: Dentures always look fake.

If someone has dentures that look fake, they have a low-quality set of dentures. You can go to those cheap denture places and get dentures made in a hurry for a low cost, but the best dentures are made taking several steps in the process. For example, when you get high-quality dentures, the dentist will:

  • Match the synthetic gum tissue to the shade of your gums
  • Take measurements of your mouth to ensure the prosthetic teeth are the proper height and shape
  • Use shading to ensure your teeth are not overly white for your skin tone

Myth: Dentures stain a lot easier than natural teeth.

On the contrary, dentures do not stain as easily as natural teeth. The teeth that dentures have are made out of a composite or resin material that has a sealant on it to thwart problems with stains. You can also prevent stains by brushing your dentures regularly, soaking them in a cleaning solution when you are not wearing them, and avoiding drinking or eating things that are likely to stain, such as coffee or soft drinks.

Myth: Dentures always move around in your mouth.

When dentures are made correctly, they will not shift around or move in your mouth when you speak or chew. Dentures should be made in a way that they almost adhere via suction to the top of your mouth. More people have issues with lower-arch dentures than they do upper arches. Nevertheless, most people can have success with a lower arch if they are made by a true professional.

Work with Dental Health and Beauty and Dr. Nicholas Polito DDS for New Dentures

When dentures are made by a team of skilled professionals, they can be a perfectly apt way to regain your smile. Reach out to us at Dental Health and Beauty and Dr. Nicholas Polito DDS in Libertyville, IL to schedule an appointment.

Understanding Tooth Enamel Loss

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Dr. Nicholas Polito and the rest of the team at Dental Health and Beauty meet thousands of people every year who are concerned about the damaging effects of tooth enamel loss. We’re proud to provide high quality tooth enamel care and protection in the greater Libertyville, IL area and encourage people to educate themselves about tooth anatomy in order to improve their oral health.

Understanding Your Tooth Enamel—And What Can Make it Wear Down Over Time

Tooth enamel is a thin protective layer covering your teeth. It’s main job is to protect your teeth from chemicals and temperatures, as well as during the normal day-to-day actions of teeth themselves (e.g., biting, grinding, and chewing).

The main thing that causes tooth enamel to wear down and degrade over time is excessive exposure to acids, which can happen due to a variety of reasons, including:

  • Diet high in sugar and starches
  • Acid reflux disease (GERD) and other digestive problems
  • Chronic dry mouth or low saliva production
  • Excessive or chronic use of certain medications
  • Genetics
  • Plaque build up on your teeth
  • Environmental factors (e.g., grinding teeth in your sleep, stress, etc.)
  • Certain health conditions, including bulimia (in which a person frequently purges and vomits their food)

Signs and Symptoms of Tooth Enamel Loss

Tooth enamel itself is actually translucent—the white part of the tooth is actually from the dentin directly underneath the enamel. If enamel begins to wear away, this dentin can become stained, leading to brown or yellow discoloration.

clean and dirty tooth enamel

Additional signs and symptoms of tooth enamel loss include:

  • Chips, cracks, and indentations in the teeth
  • Tooth sensitivity
  • Increased risk of cavities and tooth decay

How our Libertyville Dentist Can Manage and Prevent Tooth Enamel Loss

Unlike other tissues in the body, enamel has no living cells inside, meaning that when it becomes damaged or chipped it can’t be healed naturally by your body. For this reason, enamel protection is essential for maintaining a bright healthy smile.

We advise our patients to follow the following basic oral health guidelines for healthier enamel and teeth:

  • Brush, floss, and use mouthwash daily.
  • Avoid highly acidic foods, refined sugars, soft drinks, and fruit drinks.
  • Drink plenty of water and use sugar-free gum between meals to boost saliva production.

We also provide services such as sealants, bonding, or veneers/crowns which can further protect your teeth from enamel erosion and decay and improve cosmetic appearance.

Worried About Tooth Enamel Loss?

Your oral health makes an incredible impact on your overall health—not to mention confidence! If you have concerns about tooth enamel loss and would like to learn about how our Libertyville dentistry team can help, contact Dental Health and Beauty today at (847) 367-1133.

Why You Should See a Dentist Twice a Year

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Routine Dental Visits in Libertyville It’s easy to put off those regular dental appointments. You’re too busy at work. The kids are keeping you too busy. Do you really need those routine checkups and cleanings anyway?

Yes, you do. Failing to schedule in those appointments increases your risk of dental issues and other health problems. Here are just a few of the reasons you need to make the time to head to your dentist twice a year.

Those Cleanings Make a Difference

Scheduling those cleanings every six months is essential since a professional cleaning does a lot better job on your teeth than you can. Even if you’re brushing and flossing twice a day, you still can’t eliminate all the plaque and tartar from your teeth. Dental hygienists use professional tools to remove the tartar and plaque off teeth, and these routine cleanings can help prevent tooth decay, bad breath, and gum disease.

Routine Exams Catch Problems Early

Seeing your dentist regularly also helps make sure that any dental problems are caught early before they become a major problem. Your dentist will look for the signs of tooth decay and gum disease, and if you do have dental issues, they can be treated effectively if they’re caught early.

Benefits to Overall Health

Failing to visit the dentist twice a year can actually have negative effects on your entire body. Many studies show that dental health impacts your overall health. Since your mouth is full of bacteria, routine dental hygiene and regular dental visits can ensure that bacteria don’t contribute to the development of other health problems like heart disease.

Some Patients Need to Come in More Often

While twice yearly visits are recommended for most patients, some people may need to see the dentist more often. You may need more than two visits a year if:

  • You have poor oral hygiene habits
  • You deal with chronic health problems like diabetes or gum disease
  • You have dry mouth
  • You have problems that make it tough to clean your teeth on your own
  • You use any type of tobacco
  • You’ve had a lot of dental work in the past

Protect your oral health. If you’re behind on routine cleanings and checkups, call our office to get your appointment set up today.