Bayberry Dental Care

Monday, June 26, 2017

Periodontitis

Periodontal disease comes in four stages. We’ve previously mentioned how gingivitis develops and told you how this condition can be prevented, but now it’s time to talk about periodontitis. If gingivitis is left untreated, it will advance to this second stage of periodontal disease. Periodontitis is not only an inflammation of the gums; it causes destruction to the support structures of the teeth. Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS of Bayberry Dental Care hopes the status of your oral health never reaches this point, but she’s here to treat it if it does.  


In all cases, periodontitis is caused by plaque. When the teeth are not properly cleaned by thorough brushing and flossing, a hard deposit called tartar will form on the tooth. As these bacteria progress deeper into the gums, pockets will form and cause the bacteria to multiply. This can eventually lead to tooth loss if not treated right away. There are a number of factors that increase your risk of periodontitis, such as smoking, stress, and other oral –systemic diseases such as diabetes. If you notice any signs or symptoms of periodontal disease, please contact us immediately to correct the problem.


If you have questions or concerns about periodontal disease, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.bayberrydentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS in our Tinley Park, IL office, call Bayberry Dental Care at 708-802-8300.

Wednesday, June 21, 2017

Gingivitis

When you visit Bayberry Dental Care for a routine cleaning, one of the first things Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS looks for is gingivitis. If your gums are bright red or bleed easily when she is brushing and flossing your teeth, she may suggest some oral hygiene reinforcement.  Gingivitis – the earliest stage of gum disease – is reversible, but prevention is more important. If plaque is not removed by daily brushing and flossing, your gums will suffer the consequences.


The primary cause of gingivitis is plaque buildup due to a poor oral hygiene routine. When plaque is not adequately removed, it causes an accumulation of tartar which only Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS and her team of hygienists is able to eliminate.  Gingivitis prevention begins at home by brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing at least once a day, and regularly rinsing your mouth with an ADA approved antiseptic mouthwash.


If you have questions or concerns about periodontal disease, please give us a call. To learn about services we provide at our practice, visit www.bayberrydentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS in our Tinley Park, IL office, call Bayberry Dental Care at 708-802-8300.

Thursday, June 15, 2017

Childhood Bad Breath

At Bayberry Dental Care, Dr. Kathleen Falsey runs an office that is friendly to children. Like everyone else, children sometimes suffer from bad breath, but a lack of brushing may not be the only reason for this.


When teaching children to brush, it’s important to teach them that their tongues need brushing as much as their teeth. Bacteria find a welcoming environment on the tongue, as well as in the tonsils, and build-up in these areas produces a bad smell. Nasal drip also increases bacteria growth. While adults are probably aware that a sinus infection causes nasal drip, they may not know that a foreign object stuck in the child’s nose can have the same result. Mouth sores can also contribute to bad breath.


Besides infections, dry mouth is another cause of bad breath. Children can easily become dehydrated during play, but dry mouth is also a common side-effect of medications. Some medications for ADHD and anxiety are known to cause bad breath. Children who breathe through their mouths tend to dry out a lot. And, of course, dry mouth itself puts a patient at greater risk for infections.


Kathleen M. Falsey, D.D.S., operates Bayberry Dental Care at 8014 West 171st St, Tinley Park, Illinois, 60477. To schedule an appointment, call 708-802-8300 or visit BayberryDentalCare.com and fill out a contact sheet.


 

Saturday, June 10, 2017

Acid Reflux and Tooth Sensitivity

We want patients at Bayberry Dental Care to know how to prevent every threat to their oral health. Acid reflux may not be something people primarily associate with toothaches, but it’s actually one of the more common causes of sensitivity.


The hydrochloric acid produced in the stomach is extremely corrosive. A sphincter usually keeps it where it belongs, but when it escapes up the esophagus, a patient is said to suffer from acid reflux or “heartburn,” and when it escapes twice or more in a week, the patient has gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Hydrochloric acid wearing away tooth enamel isn’t just painful; it also damages the teeth’s appearance and puts them at risk for infection. As enamel thins, the greyish-yellowish inner layer of the tooth becomes more visible, and if that decays too, bacteria could enter the tooth’s pulp.


There is no way to regrow enamel, but Dr. Falsey is experienced in several kinds of tooth restorations, including white fillings and artificial crowns following root canals. Patients can reduce their risk of acid reflux by avoiding acidic foods such as citrus juice and tomatoes, as well as fried food, alcohol, caffeine, and chocolate.


Kathleen M. Falsey, D.D.S., operates Bayberry Dental Care at 8014 West 171st St, Tinley Park, Illinois, 60477. To schedule an appointment, call 708-802-8300 or visit BayberryDentalCare.com and fill out a contact sheet.