Bayberry Dental Care

Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Post-Extraction Care

Having a tooth extracted can feel like a scary process. Though complications afterward aren’t common, there are ways to secure a successful recovery. The most important thing is that you follow all post-operative instructions given by Dr. Kathleen Falsey. But just in case you forgot, or are trying to learn more before your procedure, here are some general guidelines for recovery care. Contact Bayberry Dental Care in Tinley Park, IL, to learn more.


 


When you don’t follow post-extraction care, you put the entire procedure at risk. You can get an infection or even a dry socket. A dry socket occurs when the fresh blood clot dislodges or dissolves. In simple terms, the clot doesn’t form correctly. Follow these tips for common extraction symptoms. Doing so heightens your chance of a successful recovery.


 


For swelling, apply icepacks to the outside of your mouth. Do this on and off for about 20-25 minutes. Continue this practice for two days to relieve swelling and discomfort. Your Tinley Park, IL, dentist may suggest warm compresses if the tooth was infected before removal.


 


It’s normal for bleeding to happen. Keep the area covered with gauze for at least 30 minutes. If bleeding is heavier, hold the gauze down. Another alternative is placing tea bags on the wound. These contract the blood vessels for the clot to set.


 


Do not talk, drink, or eat for two hours after the procedure. You’ll need to rest for the following day. The blood clots are easily dislodged with vigorous rinsing or using a straw. Otherwise, avoid the area until your dentist tells you otherwise.


 


Last but not least, watch what you eat. Only drink water and eat soft foods. This includes eggs, pudding, jello, and even softer meals like mashed potatoes. Don’t eat any foods that can dislodge the blood clots, like peanuts, popcorn, and pasta.


 


Contact Bayberry Dental Care for all your tooth extraction needs. We have the expertise and experience to keep you healthy and happy. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kathleen Falsey in Tinley Park, IL, visit her website or call 708-802-8200.

Thursday, November 14, 2019

Baby Bottle Tooth Decay


Also called early childhood caries (ECC), bottle mouth, and infant caries, baby bottle tooth decay occurs when a child’s teeth comes into contact too often with sugary snacks and drinks. This includes milk and infant formula. We at Bayberry Dental Care are committed to educating parents about helping their children develop good oral hygiene habits. The earlier good habits are instilled, the more likely children will maintain them through adulthood. 




The complications that arise from baby bottle tooth decay can be as severe as your child not developing speech properly. This is a serious problem since children are essentially sponges, taking in information and constantly learning. Baby bottle tooth decay can make speech development difficult with nasty infections and chronic pain. 




Prevent baby bottle tooth decay by:




- Flossing your child’s teeth after they’ve all grown in


- Brushing your child’s teeth as soon as they start growing in


- Taking your child to regular dentist check ups


- Encouraging healthy eating habits


- Limiting your child’s sugar intake


- Teaching your child how to drink from a cup at six months of age


- Weaning your child off the pacifier


- Wiping your infant’s gums after a feeding



Bayberry Dental Care is located on 8014 W 171st St. in Tinley Park, IL 60477. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit bayberrydentalcare.com or call 708-802-8300.


 



Thursday, November 7, 2019

How Sugar Affects Your Teeth


We know it’s not something you want to hear or maybe you’ve heard it a thousand times before. But it’s true, sugar negatively impacts your teeth in a big way. We at Bayberry Dental Care in Tinley Park take pride in educating our patients about the importance of restricting sugary foods and drinks. It would be ideal to cut these out of your diet completely, but we understand that sometimes there’s nothing better than a crisp soda on a hot day. More attention should be paid to, say, how many sugary beverages you drink in a day or week. Is it really adding up? If so, consider restricting your intake for the sake of your teeth.




Sugar easily coats the surface of your teeth and attracts the “bad bacteria,” such as Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus. These destructive bacteria feed on the sugar and disturb the natural pH of your mouth, to the point where the acidity is too much for your teeth. Over time, the enamel on your teeth is broken down little by little. This isn’t so good, since tooth enamel cannot be replaced. Once that natural barrier is gone, it’s gone for good. 




If you can’t give up sugar completely, then consider these tips to fight tooth decay:




- Watch what you eat and drink. Make sure to incorporate healthy options, such as fibrous vegetables.


- Restrict the sugar. Try drinking more water, your teeth will thank you (and so will your body).


- Practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing two to three times a day.


- Visit your dentist regularly. Your dentist will be able to take a closer look inside your mouth, monitor anything suspicious, and give your teeth a good professional cleaning. 



Bayberry Dental Care is located on 8014 W 171st St. in Tinley Park, IL 60477. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit bayberrydentalcare.com or call 708-802-8300.