Flossing

Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS of Bayberry Dental Care encourages patients to maintain a great oral health routine at home, and the staff here likes to see patients set themselves up for a lifetime of good oral health.  Regular flossing is essential to maintaining oral health and you should floss once a day, either before or after brushing. Remember these tips to help you floss effectively:

• A strand of dental floss about 18 inches long allows you to wrap the ends of the floss around a finger on each hand. This gives you excellent control over the portion of floss you are using.


• The proper technique to flossing is sliding the floss between the teeth and rubbing the floss back and forth up until you reach your gums.


• Pushing at your gums too hard with floss can damage your gum line and isn’t necessary to floss properly. Think of a small swooping motion as you rub the floss up to one gum, then down and back up towards the other.


• As you move on to the next tooth, adjust the floss to expose an unused portion. Repeat this rubbing motion between each tooth and dispose of the floss once you are finished.

To learn more about oral hygiene and the services we provide, 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.

Have You Had A Cleaning This Year?

Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS and the staff of Bayberry Dental Care encourage all our patients to maintain a great oral health routine at home, but it is still important to come into the office for regular professional cleanings.  During the holidays, we want everyone looking forward to the New Year and maintaining great oral hygiene!  However much you brush and floss, some harmful bacteria grow in your mouth that cause gum disease and can only be removed by a dental professional. 

It’s important to see a professional regularly not just to clean your teeth, but also to locate and monitor areas in the mouth that may need special attention, and a dentist can tell you if you may be missing a spot or skipping an important step in your regular oral care routine.  During a teeth cleaning, a hygienist thoroughly clean the area above and below the gum line with scaling tools to rid them of plaque and tartar. After the surfaces of the teeth are cleaned, the hygienist flosses between every one of your teeth and may apply fluoride if recommended by the dentist. Come see us for a cleaning to make a great impression during the holidays, and start the year off with your best smile!

To learn more about dental health and all the services provided at the 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.

Lip Care in Cold Weather

To take good care of your teeth, you also have to take care of your lips. This time of year, we know everybody in Chicagoland is trying to protect themselves from frigid, dry weather. We want patients at Bayberry Dental Care in Tinley Park to keep their lips from chapping so that they’ll be less vulnerable to dry mouth and teeth misalignments.

Cold air cannot hold much moisture. But liquids on the lips will still evaporate, taking protective oils on the lips with them. For this reason, it is best to avoid taking long, hot showers or baths. But an even worse alternative is sucking on the lips or folding them under the teeth. Children often do this in cold weather and it causes their mouths to become inflamed and painful. Too much of it could also contribute to an open bite and could causes abrasions inside the mouth if the patient is wearing braces.

Lip balm is a reliable way of sealing in moisture, although patients will need to pay attention to which product they use. Some people are allergic to certain fragrances or the chemical menthol. Should they notice their lips becoming inflamed, they should switch to a fragrance-free product immediately. Another strategy is to increase the amount of moisture in the air through the use of humidifiers. Placing humidifiers in the bedroom, in an office, or anywhere else you spend a lot of time makes dry mouth and chapping less likely.

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

 

Diabetes and Gum Disease

If you suffer from diabetes, you are especially vulnerable to gum disease. We treat all our patients with compassion at Bayberry Dental Care, and we want them to understand how their oral health ties into their overall health. In the cases of people with diabetes, we are committed to providing the support they need to keep their gums strong and free of pain, and we want them to know more about why working with us is so important.

Studies consistently show that people with uncontrolled blood sugar have elevated levels of gingivitis symptoms such as bleeding gums, redness, and soreness. The exact connection is not completely understood, but we do know that people with diabetes have a more difficult time fighting infections in general. Inflammation is the immune system’s initial response to an infection or injury. It helps to isolate pathogens, but prolonged inflammation can ultimately damage tissues. If gingivitis progresses into periodontal disease, the gums and jaw bone tissue will recede, leaving teeth loose and sensitive.

At regular dental examinations, we provide thorough cleanings that will help stop gingivitis from developing. We also provide scaling and root cleaning to remove decay from the gum pockets that patients can’t reach on their own. Despite their elevated risk, it is possible for people with diabetes to maintain good oral hygiene. Best of all, there is evidence that other diabetes-related inflammation tends to improve as patients’ oral health improves.

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

 

Scaling and Root Planing for Gum Disease

The word periodontitis literally means “inflammation around the tooth.” Periodontitis and all periodontal diseases are bacterial infections that destroy the attachment fibers and supporting bone that hold the teeth in the mouth. To take steps toward preventing and treating periodontal disease, Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS of Bayberry Dental Care may recommend a scaling and root planing procedure to eliminate bacteria under the gum line.

Root planing and scaling is one of the most effective ways to treat gum disease before it becomes severe. When plaque and tartar sit on the teeth they provide an environment that allows bacteria to thrive and multiply. These bacteria can lead to bad breath and cause the gums to bleed and become inflamed. Dental scaling occurs with manual hand instruments, ultrasonic instruments or both. Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS, will begin the procedure with a thorough examination of your mouth. Next, a combination of scaling devices will be used to eliminate the plaque bacteria. The objective is to clean between the gums and the teeth down to the roots.

If you have signs and symptoms of periodontal disease, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about the 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.

Oral Hygiene Tips for the Holidays

We wish all our patients at Bayberry Dental Care in Tinley Park a Happy Thanksgiving! At this time of year, there are many sweets and feasts to look forward to. But that doesn’t mean tooth decay takes a break, so to help our patients have a good holiday season, we wanted to provide some tips on oral hygiene.

As we discussed in our post about baby bottle tooth decay, sugary residue poses more of a threat to teeth than the sugar content of any specific food. A lot of the sugary drinks that are popular this time of year—pumpkin spice lattes, eggnog, hot chocolate, apple cider, and alcoholic beverages, are drunk slowly, allowing residue to cling to the teeth for a long time. People also consume more hard candies, which tend to dry the mouth out in addition to sticking to teeth and to eat sticky toffees. But even complex starches, such as those found in winter squash, can fuel tooth decay if debris gets caught in hard-to-reach spaces.

The best way to maintain oral hygiene is regular brushing and flossing, but this may not always be easy during family or social gatherings. Another strategy is to chew sugar-free gum, which will dislodge food particles and stimulate saliva production. You may also try keeping bottles of fluoridated water on hand. Taking swigs from them in between consuming other drinks will wash away sugar and strengthen your enamel.

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

 

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

You may think it’s a good idea to put a child to sleep with a bottle, but there are consequences that come along with it that you may not be aware of. Baby bottle tooth decay is caused by the frequent and long-term exposure of a child’s teeth and gums to liquids containing sugars. These beverages include milk, formula, and fruit juice and if they aren’t properly brushed away, your child’s teeth may suffer. Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS suggests bringing your child in for an oral exam before the age of one. If you haven’t scheduled an appointment, it’s time to do so!

The first step in preventing baby bottle decay is never allowing your child to fall asleep with a bottle that contains liquid other than water. Next, be sure to clean and massage your infant’s gums once a day to help establish healthy teeth. Treatment for baby bottle tooth decay is similar to that of adult tooth decay. Don’t assume that just because your child’s baby teeth will fall out that it’s ok to neglect them.  

If you have questions or concerns regarding pediatric dentistry, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. To learn about the 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.

Canker Sores

When a canker sore emerges, you might find yourself running to the drugstore for a numbing agent that will temporarily reduce the pain. You may also find yourself Googling every home remedy you can find to find relief from the problem. Here at Bayberry Dental Care, we can help patients manage painful aphthous ulcers (canker sores) and herpes (cold sores) through routine dental checkups.

Acidic or citrus foods may trigger a canker sore, such as eating copious amounts of pineapple or drinking excessive amounts of orange juice for breakfast. Canker sores can be painful, but usually, clear up on their own within two weeks. If you are suffering from a canker sore and it’s persistent, Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS may suggest antimicrobial mouth rinse or a corticosteroid ointment to treat the problem while reducing pain and irritation.

If you have questions or concerns regarding canker sores or oral hygiene, don’t hesitate to give us a call. To learn about the 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.

Reasons for Extractions

There are times when a tooth needs to be extracted. We try our best at Bayberry Dental Care to make sure that’s not often, but when it does happen, it’s for a good reason. Although extractions are routine procedures that almost always go smoothly, we thought it would be a good idea for patients to know why they might be recommended.

Baby teeth usually fall out naturally when the adult tooth is pushing them. But sometimes they may get stuck and create a risk that the other teeth will not be able to erupt in the right place. Even if the adult tooth is able to emerge, a stuck baby tooth is a challenge for oral hygiene. More commonly, it is an adult tooth that is causing problems for other teeth’s alignment due to overcrowding. The wisdom teeth are often extracted because they do not erupt until teenagers are already past the age when orthodontic therapy is most effective for major problems. It is also common in overcrowding cases for a set of premolars to be removed, since their function can be taken up by the remaining teeth.

A tooth may also have to be removed if it is badly damaged. Cracked crowns can be repaired, but there is no way to repair a cracked root or implant. In such cases, the patient will be in pain and at risk for infection. A dental pulp infection can also motivate an extraction, although a root canal is usually a viable option for saving the tooth.

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

 

Root Canal Treatment

Root canals have a bad reputation, but they are necessary to save a tooth from becoming badly decayed or infected. A root canal procedure is performed when the nerve of the tooth becomes infected or the pulp becomes damaged. During a root canal procedure, the nerve and pulp are removed, and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed. Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS of Bayberry Dental Care assures each one of her patients that a root canal isn’t as scary as it sounds.

During the first visit, you will be given a local anesthetic to numb the area. A rubber sheet may be placed around the tooth to isolate it. Next, access is drilled from the crown into the pulp chamber, which, along with any infected root canal, is cleaned of all diseased pulp and reshaped. Medication may be inserted into the area to kill bacteria and prevent additional infection. Living with a toothache is much more painful than correcting the pain with a root canal.

If you have questions or concerns regarding root canal, don’t hesitate to give us a call. To learn about the 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.

National Dental Hygiene Month

Do you have questions about your oral care habits? There’s no better time to ask than National Dental Hygiene Month! In the month leading up to Halloween, we at Bayberry Dental Care in Tinley Park are particularly eager to teach our patients how to brush and floss properly so they won’t have to worry as much about tooth decay during the holiday season.

Patients should always use soft-bristled toothbrushes. They can get good results from proper use of manual or electric toothbrushes, but everyone with teeth needs to brush them twice a day. People using manual toothbrushes should brush for two minutes per session. All the varieties of toothpaste seen in stores can help fight decay, although people with sensitive teeth may want to avoid toothpaste with whitening agents and people with dentures should use specialized toothpaste. Brush every tooth surface, using circular strokes to thoroughly clean the outward-facing sides, and don’t forget the parts of the teeth nearest to the gum line.

Dentists recommend that patients clean debris from between their teeth, but only with things that were made for that purpose. When using floss, use a shoeshine motion to scrape plaque off of the sides of each tooth. Don’t just slide the floss down the gap. Also, be sure to get the backsides of the molars. You can prevent bad breath with daily use of mouthwash or a tongue scraper, but you should also be brushing your tongue.

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

Amalgam Fillings

Amalgam fillings are just one of the fillings Dr. Kathleen Falsey DDS, offers at Bayberry Dental Care. When placing dental amalgam, Dr. Falsey first drills the tooth to remove the decay and then shapes the tooth cavity for placement of the amalgam filling. Next, under appropriate safety conditions, she then mixes the powdered alloy with the liquid mercury to form amalgam putty. This softened amalgam putty is placed and shaped in the prepared cavity, where it rapidly hardens into a solid filling.

Amalgam has been used for generations to help save decayed teeth in more than 100 million Americans. Amalgam has been thoroughly studied, and no properly designed research studies have linked dental amalgam to serious health problems. Dr. Falsey can talk about what type of filling is best for the patient. An amalgam filling is just one of a variety of dental filling options available at her practice. 

If you have questions or concerns regarding cosmetic dental services, please give us a call. To learn about the 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.

Thank You for Your Positive Reviews!

Here at Bayberry Dental Care, Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS, and staff appreciate feedback from our patients because it teaches us how to improve as a team. Our staff would not only like to thank the following for leaving us reviews, but we would like to thank each one of them for being a dedicated patient. If you recently experienced exceptional service from our office, please let us know!  

• "Feeling so Much Better Thanks to You." -Janet


• "Thanks for making me feel so much better!" -Annie


• "I am not embarrassed to smile anymore all thanks to you Doc." -Mike


• "Cavity Free and Loving Every Second Of It!" -Rose

If you would like to leave a testimonial or are interested in learning more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.bayberrydentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS in our Tinley Park office, call 708-802-8300.

Basics of Dental Instruments

It is important for everybody to get their teeth professionally cleaned twice a year. This is usually not a difficult process, but for some, visits to the dentist are a source of anxiety. We strive to create a gentle, caring practice at Bayberry Dental Care in Tinley Park, which is why we thought patients might feel more comfortable if they knew more about our instruments.

The instruments our hygienists use the most frequently are the handheld mirror, the evacuator, and the explorer. The evacuator is the hose which suctions saliva and debris out of the patient’s mouth. Explorers, or probes, are the hooked metal instruments used to test how hard enamel is and whether there is decay below the gum line. We also use explorers to break apart calculus that builds up between visits.

When we need to do a procedure such as drilling away decay, we generally numb the patient with localized anesthetic delivered through a syringe. The drill emits water to protect the patient from its heat. Our office uses white resin composites as filling materials, which we administer to a cavity using a blunt instrument called a burnisher. There are many differently-shaped burnishers for contouring fillings.

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

Lumineers Makeover Any Smile!

Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS is always being asked by patients about the latest cosmetic solutions available.  There are several methods for whitening or straightening teeth, but lumineers are the best way to give your smile a complete cosmetic makeover without undergoing a procedure.  Lumineers are thin shells made of the highest quality porcelain that bond directly to the surface of your teeth and look like your natural smile. 

To outfit a patient with a full set of lumineers, we begin with taking an impression.  This impression will be used to ensure a perfect fit for your new smile.  Some patients won’t require preparation of the teeth, but depending on your individual case your dentist may want to contour or shave teeth in select places.  This is only done when your dentist sees an area they determine could be a problem to fit the shells on.   A new set of lumineers is fabricated outside the office, and on a final visit they are bonded directly to the surface of your teeth to wear forever!

If you’re ready to makeover your smile or have questions about lumineers, please give us a call!  To learn about all the services provided, 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. 

Periodontal Maintenance

In its most advanced stages, gum disease can lead to gum recession and even tooth loss.  Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS and her staff want to make sure it never gets to that point for you and your family!  When plaque builds up on a tooth, the gum starts to pull away from the tooth and form a pocket around the buildup, which only leads to more gum recession.  A scaling and root planing procedure is used to treat this buildup and prevent the later stages of gum disease.

Scaling and root planning are two parts of a deep cleaning procedure your dentist can perform to help reverse the progress of gum disease.  The procedure beings with scaling, which is the process of the dentist removing plaque from the surface of the teeth, all the way down to the gums. Root planing is the term for any minor contouring to smooth the surface of a tooth near the root.  When plaque has been removed and the tooth root has been smoothed, the gums that have pulled away will have a clean, smooth surface to reattach to as they heal.

To learn more about deep periodontal cleaning and the other services provided at Dr. Falsey’s 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. 

Reduce TMJ Pain with a Soft Food Diet

The temporomandibular joint is the hinge joint that connects the lower jaw (mandible) to the temporal bone of the skull, which is immediately in front of the ear on each side of your head. The joints are flexible, allowing the jaw to move smoothly up and down, side to side, and enabling you to talk, chew, and yawn. Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) occur as a result of problems with the jaw, jaw joint and surrounding facial muscles that control chewing and moving the jaw. Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS of Bayberry Dental Care can help diagnose and provide relief if you are suffering from TMD symptoms.

Soft foods give your jaw and temporomandibular joints the opportunity to rest and heal. Some excellent (and healthy) foods to eat include cooked vegetables and fruits, cottage cheese, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, smoothies, soup, and yogurt. If you must eat food that requires a heavy amount of chewing, we recommended chopping it up into small pieces. If you have a sweet tooth, soft cakes, cobblers, and cheesecake are good things to choose from.

If you have questions or concerns regarding TMJ/TMD, please give us a call. To learn about the 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.

Dental Anxiety

Visiting the dentist is not always a calm task, which is why some people tend to avoid the dental office like a plague. If the idea of going to the dentist for a procedure brings on feelings of fear or anxiety, Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS of Bayberry Dental Care wants to help take the edge off. There are different types of sedation options we provide and they will be administered depending on the severity of the patient’s fright.

It’s common to feel anxious before a dental appointment. You may lose sleep the night before, or you may experience an increased feeling of nervousness while waiting in the office. One of the most important factors in overcoming dental anxiety is communicating with Dr. Falsey before, during, and after your appointment. If dental anxiety is left untreated, it can lead to oral health problems which will only require more dental treatment.

If you have questions or concerns regarding sedation options, please give us a call. To learn about the 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.

Vertical Dimension Loss

When people lose teeth, it’s in their best interest to get them replaced right away. At Bayberry Dental Care in Tinley Park, we provide people with implants and prosthetic crowns. Not only do these new teeth improve the appearance of a patient’s smile and their bite function, they also prevent the loss of vertical dimension.

Vertical dimension loss is a phrase used when describing how the size of dental crowns relates to the overall proportion of the face. People whose teeth get worn down or are missing suffer from lack of vertical dimension. As a result, they are prone to temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJD) and all the pain in the jaw, neck, and head that come with it. Their mouths also have a scrunched-up appearance, resulting in wrinkles around their nose and upper lip.

At its worst extreme, vertical dimension loss is related to bite collapse. In the absence of some teeth, the others take on more biting force than they are capable of withstanding and get pushed over. People who have long suffered from lack of vertical dimension require complex rehabilitation, but in people whose loss was recent, new crowns and implants can prevent the jaws from becoming misshapen. If your teeth are damaged or lost, don’t wait to get them replaced.

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

 

White Spots on Teeth

As experts in general and cosmetic dentistry, we at Bayberry Dental Care don’t want our patients to get surprised by tooth decay. Many people might suspect there’s something odd about the chalky white spots that sometimes show up on their teeth. But they may not have known that those white spots are also called incipient lesions because they are the beginnings of dental infections.

Tooth decay is the result of acid produced by bacteria. Where there is a lot of food debris, bacteria feed and multiply. This results in more acid getting trapped in gum pockets and in plaque, the sticky covering of the teeth. As acid erodes the minerals in enamel, the enamel will take on a bright, glazed appearance. A similar effect occurs in people who have acid reflux, but it is usually limited to the upper back teeth. Decay from infections is likelier to occur around orthodontic brackets, near the gum line, and on the sides of the teeth.

It only takes about thirty days for a white spot to form, so patients should take them as a sign they need to improve their brushing. If they are unsure what to do, our hygienists can provide assistance. We can also determine whether an infection has been killed and whether it is appropriate to cover a white spot with a veneer.

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

 

Cosmetic Dentistry

If your smile is far from perfect, Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS of Bayberry Dental Care has a solution to turn that around. Cosmetic dental services will improve the appearance of your smile through veneers, whitening, bonding, and more. If your teeth are stained, worn, chipped, cracked, or misaligned, schedule a consultation with Dr. Falsey to discuss your treatment options.

While traditional dentistry addresses the health of your teeth and gums, cosmetic dentistry focuses on the appearance of your teeth, mouth, and smile as a whole. Cosmetic dental services not only enhance aesthetics, they also help restore function. Today, cosmetic dentistry is more popular than ever, from whitening and shaping to closing spaces and replacing teeth.

If you have questions or concerns regarding cosmetic dental services, please give us a call. To learn about the 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.

Pediatric Dental Care

It is important that your child has a positive experience at the dentist during his or her early years so that he or she does not develop an ongoing fear of oral health. At Bayberry Dental Care, Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS, and her team make sure to put your child at ease so that they will enjoy their dental visits for years to come.

Children begin to get their baby teeth during the first six months of life. By age six or seven years, they start to lose their first set of teeth, which are eventually replaced by secondary, permanent teeth. Without proper dental care, children face possible oral decay and disease that can cause a lifetime of pain and complications. During a routine exam, Dr. Falsey will assess the teeth and gums, provide early assessment for orthodontic treatment, and provide preventive dental care services, including cleaning and fluoride treatments.

If you have questions or concerns regarding pediatric dental services, please give us a call. To learn about the 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.

Drinking Water for Oral Health

Drinking water is important for your health at all ages.  We’ve seen adult patients at Bayberry Dental Care that are guilty of not drinking enough water, so we know it can be tough to monitor if kids are getting enough too.  The doctors and staff of Bayberry Dental Care want to encourage you and the kids in your family stay hydrated and healthy!

We all know kids love drinking juice and soda, but we forget that these beverages leave unwanted sugar behind on the teeth.  The type of bacteria that causes cavities feeds on sugar, and produces acid that wears away enamel. Enamel is not replaceable, so it’s important to take care of it even from a young age.  When kids drink juice or soda, it is helpful just to drink some water afterwards to dilute acids and wash away food particles and residue. You and your children should be drinking at least eight 8oz glasses of water each day.  Drinking tap water with fluoride is important to help prevent cavities.  If you’re worried that your children may not be drinking enough water, come see us to discuss tips that might help them drink more!

Visit www.bayberrydentalcare.com for more information on our practice and services. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS in our Tinley Park, IL office, call Bayberry Dental Care at 708-802-8300. 

What Is Gum Contouring?

At Bayberry Dental Care we see many patients who are unhappy with their smiles for various reasons.  The overall look of your smile includes the gums, and even when a patient has healthy teeth and gums they may be dissatisfied with the overall appearance of their smile due to excess gum tissue or a lack of tissue.  Gum contouring is a way to give any patient their best smile.

A lack of or excess of gum tissue can cause a smile to have the look of elongated teeth or a gummy smile.  To create a balanced look between gum and tooth, a gum contouring procedure can include removing gum tissue, placing gum grafts, or both.  Excess tissue is removed using a laser or scalpel tool.  Soft tissue grafts are harvested from a healthy location in the patient’s mouth, and placed where gum tissue is lacking or has receded.  The result is an even ratio of tooth to gums throughout the whole mouth.  Don’t let your gums keep you from your best smile!

To learn more about gum contouring and all the services provided at the practice, Visit www.bayberrydentalcare.com for more information on our practice and services. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS in our Tinley Park, IL office, call Bayberry Dental Care at 708-802-8300. 

Oral Cancer Risks

Oral cancer is the largest group of cancers which fall into the head and neck category. This includes cancer of the tongue, mouth, tonsils, and throat. Mouth cancer may develop at any age, but mostly happens after the age of 40, and the risk is more than twice as high in men as it is in women. If you are a smoker or consume alcohol in moderation, or have a history of oral cancer in your family, ask Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS of Bayberry Dental Care about oral cancer screening.

Oral cancer typically appears as a growth or a sore in the mouth that does not go away after a matter of weeks. However, we don’t encourage you to wait weeks if you notice a red or white patch of skin that is causing you pain. The most common symptoms of oral cancer include a lump or thickening in the cheek, a sore throat or the feeling that something is caught in the throat. In our office, Dr. Falsey offers oral cancer screening to patients to cancer in its earliest stage when it is easiest to treat.

If you have questions or concerns regarding oral cancer, 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.

ADA Seal of Acceptance

When you shop for oral care products, is the ADA seal of acceptance something that you look for? When a product has been stamped with the American Dental Association seal of approval, this simply means that it has been scientifically evaluated by independent experts to be safe and effective for the patient. Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS of Bayberry Dental Care encourages patients to use oral care products that advertise that they are from the American Dental Association to guarantee optimal oral health.

Not every dental product possesses the ADA seal of approval, but this doesn’t mean that it won’t get the job done. When a product has the ADA seal of approval, this just means that the company selling the product may or may not have submitted their product for review. There are thousands of products on store shelves from white strips, to flossers, and toothbrushes, that can help protect your mouth and prevent oral diseases.

If you have questions or concerns regarding oral care or dental health, 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.

When Fillings Need Replacement

One thing we want our patients at Bayberry Dental Care in Tinley Park to understand is that they should never put up with toothaches. If a person has tooth decay, it is vital for their health that they get it removed and filled in. However, fillings do not last forever, which is why we want our patients to know when to ask about a replacement.

It should be noted that we have confidence in our fillings, but there are things patients who have recently undergone the procedure should be on the look-out for. A filling that prevents them from closing their teeth together is “high” and needs to be reshaped, while ones that seem to be leaking aren’t shaped perfectly to their cavities and need to be redone.

Problems with new fillings are rare, but old ones will often start to come loose after about ten years. Besides being painful, the cracked bonding also provides a home for bacteria, which cause more decay. Don’t hesitate to come see us if you have a loose filling, but by maintaining regular appointments, you can ensure old fillings will be replaced before they cause problems. We may even be able to provide you with more aesthetically-pleasing replacements.

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

 

Types of Teeth

It is our hope at Bayberry Dental Care of Tinley Park that our patients will understand that each of their teeth is a specialized bone that encounters particular issues. We thought we’d provide this guide to different types of teeth so that our patients will have a better understanding of their functions and why different treatments are necessary.

Typically, adults grow sixteen teeth per jaw, with each jaw a mirror of the other. The four teeth in front of the jaw are the incisors and they are the ones used for speaking. Incisors are vertical and flat; in babies, they are the first to erupt and become vulnerable to tooth decay. The canines, or cuspids, are the pointy teeth to the sides of the incisors. They are important for maintaining the shape of the jaw, but the upper ones commonly get stuck and need to be guided with orthodontic therapy.

The premolars and molars are the teeth in the sides and back of the mouth with multiple cusps. Adults grow two pairs of premolars and three of molars, the last of which are the wisdom teeth. They are used for chewing. Premolars have a single tooth root, but lower molars have two and upper molars have three.  Our own Dr. Kathleen Falsey is exceptionally experienced performing root canals on these teeth.

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

 

Flossing with Traditional Braces

Because food can become trapped in the brackets and wires that accompany traditional braces, it’s important that your oral care routine is better than ever. Flossing is essential when it comes to preventing periodontal disease, gum inflammation, and bad breath, with or without braces. You may find flossing difficult at first, but Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS of Bayberry Dental Care is happy to teach you how to floss with traditional braces until you get it right.  

• Use waxed floss, because unwaxed floss is more likely to get caught and shred in your braces.


• Use about 18 inches of floss and thread it carefully.


• Take the floss and gently thread it under the main wire of the braces before passing it between two teeth. Then remove the floss and re-thread it under the main wire to pass between the next pair of teeth.


• Be sure not to snap the floss. Simply move the floss up and down carefully against the side of each tooth.

If you have questions or concerns regarding orthodontic oral care, 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.

Thank You for Your Continuous Reviews!

Here at Bayberry Dental Care, Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS, and staff appreciate feedback from our customers because it teaches us how to improve as a team. Our staff would not only like to thank Kathleen L. for her review, but we would like to thank her for being a dedicated patient. If you recently experienced exceptional service from our office, please let us know!  

“I highly recommend Dr. Falsey and the entire team at Bayberry. They are professional, friendly, and welcoming. Dr. Falsey and her staff take time to get to know their patients, something you don't have nowadays. Our family has had a few emergencies and they have always responded immediately with concern. I wouldn't think of ever going elsewhere.” –Kathleen L.

If you would like to leave a testimonial or are interested in learning more about the services we provide at the practice, visit www.bayberrydentalcare.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS in our Tinley Park office, call 708-802-8300.

Veneers for a New Smile!

Crown lengthening is the term for removing excess gum tissue from the teeth and sculpting the gums. Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS gives patients the opportunity to completely makeover their smiles with porcelain veneers.  Veneers are custom made for each tooth from a thin ceramic shell.  They fit over your existing teeth, allowing you to completely change the appearance of your smile.  Veneers are also a great fix for minor cosmetic issues like staining and cracked or chipped teeth.  Even crooked teeth and small gaps can be made into a sparkling smile with veneers!

Patients can have a new smile using veneers in as little as two visits. First, your dentist will discuss the shape and look you want for your new smile.  Once your teeth are prepared for the treatment, an impression of your teeth is taken. This impression is sent to a dental laboratory to make the final product.  Ask us about temporary cosmetic options for you to wear for the two weeks it may take for the custom product to be fabricated. On your final visit, the veneers are bonded to the surface of your teeth for you to wear home and wear forever!

To learn more about cosmetic veneers and all the services we provide, 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

Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening is the term for removing excess gum tissue from the teeth and sculpting the gum line.  Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS removes gum tissue from patient’s mouths for aesthetics and for function.  At our practice we see many patients unhappy with their smiles, and even patients without any damage to their teeth feel like their gums keep them from enjoying their ideal smile.  When gum tissue is removed for function it is typically for making room to affix a restoration like a crown to a tooth.

Whether a crown lengthening procedure is done for function or aesthetics, it is a simple in-office procedure. Local anesthetic is used while your dentist removes excess gum tissue with either a scalpel or laser tools.  If tissue is being removed for a restoration to fit you may only require tissue to be removed from a couple of teeth.  Some people have more gum tissue than others and it results in a gummy smile, which can be corrected throughout the entire mouth.  The result is a visually pleasing ratio of teeth to gums that creates an even smile!  If you think your smile would benefit from crown lengthening, please contact us.

To learn more about crown lengthening and all the services we provide, 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. 

Sedation Dentistry

Whether you desire to take the edge off of a professional cleaning, or if the thought of visiting the dentist gives you anxiety, Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS of Bayberry Dental Care has a sedation option for you. Sedation dentistry uses medication to help patients relax during dental procedures. There are different levels of sedation and it’s helpful to schedule a consultation with Dr. Falsey before your appointment to discuss which level is best for you.

Minimal sedation that usually involves nitrous oxide, requires the patient to be awake, but leaves them in a relaxed state, mentally and physically. Moderate sedation, also known as conscious sedation, uses a sedative that causes patients to slur their words, and not remember much of the procedure. Deep sedation involves a patient being on the edge of consciousness, but can still be awake. General anesthesia involves the patient becoming completely unconscious, but is more commonly used during oral surgery procedures.

If you have questions or concerns regarding sedation options, 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.

Impacted Wisdom Teeth

If wisdom teeth are impacted and embedded into the bone, this simply means that they don’t have room to emerge normally inside the mouth. Additionally, impacted wisdom teeth may try to emerge, but if they succeed, they will grow at an angle that keeps them from fully erupting. Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS of Bayberry Dental Care will likely suggest extraction for impacted wisdom teeth because keeping them will only result in pain, and/or infection.

Impacted wisdom teeth can cause serious periodontal issues and can make brushing and flossing both painful and difficult. As the condition worsens, impacted wisdom teeth can cause pain in the jaw, as well as frequent headaches, and even cysts. If your wisdom teeth are still intact and you fear that they may be impacted, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS to discuss your treatment options.

If you have questions or concerns regarding wisdom teeth extraction, 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.

Pacifiers and Teeth

Parents often struggle with weaning their child off a pacifier.  Infants are soothed to a sense of security by pacifiers, and when the time comes it is one of the hardest habits to break.  It can require a great deal of persuasion, but because of the effect they can have on the growth and development of the teeth and mouth children should stop using pacifiers by the age of two.  Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS welcomes pediatric patients, even those who have yet to wean off of the pacifier.

Prolonged pacifier use can cause changes in the shape of the roof of the mouth, prevent proper growth of the mouth, and create problems with tooth alignment.  Narrowing of the roof of the mouth and misalignment of the jaws can also occur.  Using a pacifier too long can also lead to a variety of complications including tilting in of the bottom teeth, and slanting in of the top and front teeth. Until the age of two, any alignment problem with the teeth or developing bone is usually corrected within six months after pacifier use has stopped.  We can help and support parents having any trouble weaning their child off a pacifier before that age.

If you have questions about pacifiers and teeth development, 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. 

Losing the First Tooth

If your kid is turning into a big kid, losing the first baby tooth is on the horizon.  It’s an exciting sign of growing up, but many kids still feel anxious or uncomfortable dealing with the unfamiliar sensation of a loose tooth.  Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS wants kids and parents to be prepared and understand why this pain occurs so your child can still have a positive tooth loss experience.

Before a baby tooth is lost, it begins to break free of its nerve endings.  This is the natural process that makes the tooth feel loose and wobbly at the gums, and the area will become swollen and red.  It can be painful, and for kids a great way to soothe tooth pain is applying a cold compress to the outside of the mouth in the affected area.  Children may complain that they find it hard to bite or chew with loose or missing teeth.  It’s still important to keep eating healthy while they grow new teeth so encourage soup, pureed fruits, and cooked vegetables.  A few tales of the tooth fairy can usually ease a little pain, too!

If you have questions about pediatric oral care, 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. 

Scaling and Root Planing

Periodontitis is the second stage of gum disease and though it’s treatable, Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS of Bayberry Dental Care hopes your oral hygiene habits are never this poor. Periodontitis is caused by lack of oral care, as well as untreated gingivitis. Gingivitis is reversible, so if you notice a bit of blood in the sink, floss at least twice a day for one week straight (and continue to do so) to reduce it. If you don’t, you may need a deep cleaning of the gums, called scaling and root planing.

Periodontal disease comes from plaque, a sticky film of bacteria that builds up on teeth from the foods that we consume. When plaque is not removed by proper brushing and flossing, it can form pockets in the gums. The plaque will then get trapped in these pockets and will need to be removed by scaling and root planing. Scaling removes plaque and tartar from below the gum line, while root planing smoothes the tooth root and helps the gums reattach to the tooth. After this deep cleaning, you may experience gum sensitivity, but you will have a healthier smile overall.

If you have questions or concerns regarding scaling and root planing, 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.