Tongue-Tied

Ankyloglossia, commonly known as Tongue-Tied, is a medical condition that appears at birth. Dr. Kathleen Falsey of Bayberry Dental Care can help new parents with a diagnosis and treatment. It’s apparent almost right away if a baby is tongue-tied. A newborn will struggle to eat, swallow, and breastfeed. Without quick intervention, the child will struggle to thrive. Contact our office in Tinley Park, IL, to schedule an appointment.

 

First things first, you need to understand what exactly this condition is. The tip of the tongue is connected to the floor of the mouth through a strand of tissue called the frenulum. When a baby is tongue-tied, the frenulum is either too thick or short. Every human needs its tongue to eat. Babies need their tongue to properly breastfeed. Without a tongue that functions properly, they can’t suck or swallow milk. A tongue-tied baby will stop gaining weight and meeting milestones. They’ll eventually stop eating, latching, or even bonding with their mother. You’ll also notice problems with their indigestion and sleep schedule.

 

The nursing mother is also greatly affected. Many physical problems come with nursing a tongue-tied infant. It is a very painful process. The mother’s nipples become damaged, chapped, and prone to bleeding. With severe cases, the milk ducts are blocked, distorting the nipples. Many mothers experience both mental and physical anguish.

 

Your Tinley Park, IL, dentist offers treatment. The best thing to do is to remove the unnecessary tissue. This is a quick procedure with a surgical laser. If Dr. Falsey doesn’t perform this in-office, she can always recommend someone for you.

 

Dr. Kathleen Falsey is a top-tier dentist in the Tinley Park, IL, area. To schedule an appointment with Bayberry Dental Care, call 708-802-8300 or visit https://www.bayberrydentalcare.com/.

Sjorgen's Syndrome

Many systemic medical conditions affect your dental health. A common one is Sjorgen’s Syndrome. This is an autoimmune disorder where the body attacks the tear and saliva glands. After a while, the glands stop working entirely. If you notice that your mouth is chronically dry, no matter what you do, schedule an appointment with Dr. Kathleen Falsey right away. Bayberry Dental Care works with you to manage your symptoms. Learn more by contacting our office in Tinley Park, IL.

 

There is a large list of symptoms that accompany Sjorgen’s Syndrome. Here are the ones that commonly affect your dental health:

 

-Chronic cough

-Difficulties swallowing

-Dry lips, throat, and mouth

-A hoarse or scratchy voice

-Frequent cavities or oral infections

-Swollen salivary glands in the face and neck

 

There is no known cause for Sjorgen’s Syndrome. Research points towards an individual’s genes or the body’s reaction to certain germs. Don’t give up hope! Just because we don’t know the cause doesn’t mean we don’t offer a cure. A diagnosis is the first step. Your Tinley Park, IL, dentist will measure your salivary flow and glands. Dr. Falsey also treats any other issues like cavities.

 

Treatment depends entirely upon you and your symptoms. Certain medications control your body’s immune response. Your dentist focuses more on helping your oral symptoms. For your dry mouth, you need to increase your salivary production. Talk to your dentist about Artificial Saliva, which keeps your mouth moist. Over-the-counter products like toothpaste and mouthwash also target dry mouth.

 

Bayberry Dental Care is located in Tinley Park, IL. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kathleen Falsey, call 708-802-8300 or visit her website at https://www.bayberrydentalcare.com/.

Fluorosis

Bayberry Dental Care, located in Tinley Park, IL, is a family-friendly dental establishment. Dr. Kathleen Falsey treats patients of all ages, big and small! That’s why shes experienced with the condition known as Fluorosis. This happens when a child ingests too much of the mineral known as Fluoride. It ends up staining the teeth with thin, white streaks. This won’t hurt your child, but it does point to a nutritional imbalance.

 

Children are the only ones at risk for fluorosis. That’s because it only affects baby teeth. Before the teeth erupt from the gumline, fluoride can change their appearance. Talk to your Tinley Park, IL, dentist if you notice a change in your child’s appearance.

 

The main introduction of fluoride to a child’s system is through the water supply. It naturally occurs in our water sources, keeping it both clean and healthy! One of the many perks of breastfeeding is the avoidance of fluoride. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding a child until the age of three. Breastmilk contains all the nutrients your baby needs. When it comes to most brands of formula, water is added to it. This puts your baby at risk for fluorosis. Another possible risk is through everyday dental products. Toothpaste contains fluoride. It’s why you need to monitor how much is used. It’s recommended you start brushing your child’s teeth as soon as they come in. Never use more than a grain of rice for children under three.

 

Children over the age of three should brush their teeth twice a day. Just because they are baby teeth doesn’t mean you can neglect their health. Children don’t need a large amount of toothpaste, nothing larger than a pea. When teaching children to brush, make sure they understand not to swallow it afterward. Using too much toothpaste or ingesting it puts them at risk for fluorosis.

 

Bayberry Dental Care is located in Tinley Park, IL. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kathleen Falsey, call 708-802-8300 or visit https://www.bayberrydentalcare.com/

Cleaning Your Child's Tongue

When Dr. Kathleen Falsey talks about cleaning your child’s mouth, she isn’t talking about soap and water! There are many ways to keep their mouth clean, including cleaning their tongue. At Bayberry Dental Care, we believe that teaching strong dental hygiene habits now will follow a child into adulthood. Try having your child brush their tongue daily. Contact our office in Tinley Park, IL, to know more.

 

Baby teeth, because they are meant to fall out, are much softer than their adult counterparts. This puts children at a higher risk of tooth decay. Tongue cleaning is a great way to reduce unwanted cavities. Tongues are naturally very sticky, letting them hold onto large amounts of bacteria and debris. Tongue scraping or cleaning removes these. Brushing and flossing can only do so much. Tongue scraping is the last step in a healthy everyday routine.

 

Your child can use their toothbrush to clean their tongue. Did you know that there is an even better solution? Grocery stores and supermarkets sell dental appliances specifically for tongue cleaning. These are sold for children too. Make sure that any appliance purchased matches your child’s age range. The right-sized tongue scraper perfectly matches the width of the tongue. Have your child wait until they are at least five years old before attempting to clean their tongue.

 

You’ll want to demonstrate and show your child how to use their tongue scraper. Stand the child in front of a mirror. Ask them to stick out their tongue. While watching in the mirror, guide their hand and tongue cleaner towards the back of the tongue. Help them scrap it gently down to the tip. Rinse the appliance off each time and do it again.

 

Every parent wants what’s best for their child, including their dental health. When you schedule an appointment at Bayberry Dental Care, you’re getting the best! To contact Dr. Kathleen Falsey at her office in Tinley Park, IL, call 708-802-8300 or visit her website at https://www.bayberrydentalcare.com/.

Gum Disease and Cirrhosis

Better oral health can improve overall health. At Bayberry Dental Care in Tinley Park, we’re excited to share news about dentistry with our patients. Recent studies have shown a promising link between combatting periodontal disease and combatting cirrhosis, which we hope will inspire people to take better care of their gums.

When the liver is inflamed for a long time, it risks scarring over and not being able to filter harmful chemicals as well. This is cirrhosis, and it results in inflammation throughout the body and diminished cognitive ability. Cirrhosis and gum disease commonly occur in the same people due to alcohol and smoking, but gum disease is also unusually common in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. This prompted researchers to study if the two conditions affected each other.

In a recently published study, scientists compared people with cirrhosis who underwent periodontal therapy to people who did not. They found that people who were treated for gum disease had fewer toxins that impede cognition and more bacteria that reduce inflammation. More research is needed to determine why better oral hygiene would improve cirrhosis symptoms. Scientists have theorized that people without gum disease inhale less disease-spreading bacteria. But if someone is struggling with their health, a dental cleaning is an important step toward recovery.

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.

 

Dental Sealants

When it comes to your kids, you want the best them to have the best dental care. That’s why Dr. Kathleen Falsey of Bayberry Dental Care offers dental sealants for patients. These are easily applied to a child’s teeth to avoid cavity formation. This keeps bacteria from sticking to the teeth’s biting surfaces. It’s a quick and simple process. A tooth-colored acrylic coating is painted onto the teeth, sealing out any bacteria. If you’re interested in learning more, contact our office in Tinley Park, IL.

 

There is no need for your child to be apprehensive before their appointment. It is completely painless. Dr. Falsey starts by applying the sealant to the teeth. She’ll use an applicator that almost looks like a small paintbrush to brush the material on. Once placed, it forms onto the grooves of your teeth. It then becomes a barrier against plaque and tartar. Food particles won’t have many places to stick to. This is especially helpful for the areas of the mouth that are hard to reach.

 

The entire procedure takes little time. Sealants are a lifelong investment that keeps your child happy and healthy. They can withstand all everyday functions, including eating and drinking. Your child can wait several years before having sealants reapplied.

 

Bayberry Dental Care offers family-friendly dental care for everyone. If your child suffers from frequent cavities, schedule an appointment today. Your Tinley Park, IL, dentist, Dr. Kathleen Falsey is available through her website or over the phone. Call 708-802-8300.

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.

Flossing With Braces

Don’t make the mistake of thinking your immune to cavities when you have braces. This is simply not the case! Dr. Kathleen Falesy of Bayberry Dental Care, located in Tinley Park, IL, stresses the importance of daily dental care. This includes both brushing and flossing. Although flossing can be more challenging with braces, this isn’t an excuse to neglect it. Regardless, everyone should floss at least once a day.

 

Braces give bacteria unique places to fester. This is mainly due to the fact that these areas are difficult to clean. That shouldn’t be the case. Start flossing after every meal when you have braces. Follow these tips to maintain your dental health.

 

The main and most important aspect of your braces care-kit is floss threaders. These are small dental devices that move floss underneath the orthodontic wire. They almost look like a plastic sewing needle. Insert the floss through the eye, then move the floss into place. Flossing continues as normal. There are alternatives to this. Floss picks work well too. These appear similar to a normal prong tool, except the two prongs are connected by a thread of floss. These minuscule tools move past your braces and reach your teeth. Gently insert the floss between the teeth. Rubbing against the gums normally, you clean the area of mislodged food. Lastly, a Waterpik is a viable option. These tools shoot a steady spray of water at your teeth. The pressure cleans all trapped material from your teeth. They even have add-ons for braces cleanings.

 

In Tinley Park, IL, Bayberry Dental Care provides the best dental care around. We cater to all our patients, no matter what! Dr. Kathleen Falsey provides her dental expertise for all. To schedule an appointment, visit our website or call 708-802-8300.

Dry Mouth

Dr. Kathleen Falsey of Bayberry Dental Care provides quality dental treatment in the Tinley Park, IL, area. This includes the treatment of Xerostomia, commonly referred to as Dry Mouth. This condition makes it incredibly difficult to undertake all everyday tasks. This includes simple things like chewing, swallowing, and speaking. Dry mouth lowers your quality of life while putting your dental health at risk. Contact our office right away if you’re struggling with dry mouth.

 

Your saliva plays an important role in your everyday life. It’s not just for eating and speaking! It’s necessary for your dental health. Saliva cleans your mouth while removing food debris. Without your salivary glands functioning correctly, you’re at risk for plaque and tooth decay. That’s why it’s important to schedule an appointment with your Tinley Park, IL, dentist right away.

 

Determining the cause of your dry mouth is the first step. Be forthright with Dr. Falsey about your medical history and current medications. There are over 500 different medications that cause dry mouth. Examine all pharmaceuticals thoroughly, even ones that appear harmless. Dr. Falsey might recommend that you talk to your physician about switching prescriptions. Another common cause is autoimmune disorders. Certain conditions, like Sjögren's syndrome, are known for creating dry mouth. You should also examine any medical treatments you’re receiving. Chemotherapy, for example, is known for causing dry mouth.

 

Treatment depends entirely on the cause. There are a few general tips for reducing dry mouth symptoms. First, the best way to accomplish this is by reducing your sugar intake. Sugar is infamous for drying out your mouth. Cut back on drinking soda, tea, alcohol, and coffee. Replace these with water. Drinking more H2O keeps your mouth fresh and moist. There are also over-the-counter dry mouth treatments. You can find these at your local supermarket or grocery store. They are available in toothpaste, mouthwash, and gel form.

 

Bayberry Dental Care is located in Tinley Park, IL. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kathleen Falsey, visit our website or call 708-802-8300.

Mouthguard Usage

Now that the weather’s hot, Tinley Park residents are having more fun outdoors. But while cycling, skating, or playing sports, it’s important to keep your teeth safe. We know how much effort our patients at Bayberry Dental Care put into maintaining their smiles, which is why we want them to use mouthguards.

When properly fitted, a mouthguard shouldn’t cause difficulty breathing. Sports stores and online retailers offer one-size fits all mouthguards, and these are better than using nothing. However, a more popular option are mouthguards that are softened by boiling and then bitten down on (after cooling somewhat) to perfectly fit the wearer’s teeth. This option is especially appealing to children and people undergoing orthodontic therapy, whose teeth radically shift position in a short amount of time. Boil-and-bite models may be reshaped every month.

Formal sports organizations commonly require participants to wear recently fitted mouthguards. Our office can help you decide whether your current one is providing sufficient protection and is clean enough. Mouthguards need to be cleaned with antibacterial soap after each use and patted dry, as do their containers. They also need to be kept out of extreme heat to avoid accidental warping.

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.

 

Senior Dental Care

No matter how old you are, practicing good oral health remains an important daily routine. Your teeth, like all your bones, weaken as you age. That’s why it’s important to schedule your bi-annual appointments with Dr. Kathleen Falsey. She can address new dental concerns that weren’t applicable before. This includes the increased chances of gum disease that heightens after the age of sixty. Older patients are also at risk of extraction and cavities. To learn more, contact Bayberry Dental Care. We are located in Tinley Park, IL.

 

It’s easy to take your good health for granted when you’re younger. Once you get older, it’s important to stay on top of brushing and flossing. If you’re a caretaker or live with an older individual, assist them with their dental care. Remind them to brush and floss. Attending regular dental appointments is also important.

 

If you or a loved one struggle with brushing, your Tinley Park dentist has some tips for you:

 

-Invest in an electric toothbrush. These provide thorough cleanings while using less physical force. They are great for patients who struggle with certain physical activities.

-Elongate the handle of the toothbrush. This may seem odd, but it makes a lot of sense! It’s difficult to reach the farther areas of your mouth. You can lengthen the handle using materials found around the house. Many patients use foam or rubber to extend the handle.

-Talk to Dr. Falsey about toothbrushes made specifically for older patients. These products are easier on your teeth while being highly accessible.

 

We know that dental care can be expensive. That’s why most towns and cities offer elderly dental services through their social services or public health offices. Talk to our staff about creating an affordable treatment plan that works for you.

 

Bayberry Dental Care is located in Tinley Park, IL. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Kathleen Falsey, visit her website or call 708-802-8300.

Benefits of Panoramic X-rays

Proper treatment depends on an accurate diagnosis, which is why we’re proud to offer advanced image testing at Bayberry Dental Care. The Panorex, or panoramic x-ray, is an important tool for investigating the spread of infections, monitoring the integration of implants, and detecting cysts and infections in the jaw bone or sinus cavity. It requires little preparation from the patient, but we want them to know what to expect.

The panoramic x-ray is taken with a circular device that rotates around the patient’s head. No film is placed inside the patient’s mouth; instead they will simply bite on a bite-blocker while the image is being taken. This takes less than twenty seconds. Getting x-rays may not be advisable for a patient who is pregnant, but a Panorex is safe for almost anyone else. Patients will simply need to remove their jewelry, glasses, and any other metal objects from their head and neck and cover themselves with a lead apron.

The image produced by the Panorex is digital, allowing us to use it with our office software to identify problem areas and model future changes, such as the emergence of wisdom teeth. This also allows us to coordinate more easily with a patient’s orthodontist or oral surgeon. The Panorex does not provide a clear view of soft tissues, but it can allow us to detect when a patient needs a referral for more extensive testing.

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.

 

Pregnancy Gingivitis

Gingivitis is so common that many people fail to recognize its symptoms as problems. Lots of people are used to bleeding, swollen gums, and women who are pregnant suffer them at especially high rates. But at Bayberry Dental Care in Tinley Park, we provide patients with deep cleanings and protection against gingivitis, relieving them from gum sensitivity.

Gingivitis literally means “gum inflammation” and it usually results from infections in the gum pockets. As plaque builds up below the gum line, bacteria secrete acids that trigger the body’s immune reaction. Progesterone increases the amount of blood flowing into the gums, and during early and late pregnancy, the amount of progesterone a woman produces rapidly increases. With extra blood, the gums become much more sensitive to the toxic enzymes secreted by plaque, making gingivitis likelier. If left untreated, it could progress into periodontitis.

The best way to combat pregnancy gingivitis is to double down on oral hygiene. More attentive brushing and flossing will keep plaque from building up, although overbrushing can injure the gums, too. Ultimately, some bleeding is expected, but you can prevent gingivitis from becoming serious. If you have any questions about your oral hygiene protocol, we’d be happy to provide you with a cleaning and demonstrate flossing techniques. You might also want to try non-alcoholic mouthwash.

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.

 

What is a Periapical Abscess?

One of our specialties at Bayberry Dental Care in Tinley Park is root canal therapy. This procedure is a means of saving a tooth that has become infected, preventing the patient from requiring an extraction and implant. But if an infection is allowed to go on for too long, the patient will be at risk for one of the most dangerous conditions in dentistry: a periapical abscess.

An abscess is an accumulation of pus, which is a mixture of dead tissue, bacteria, and white blood cells. A periodontal abscess is one that develops in the gum pocket, whereas a periapical abscess forms at the tip of a tooth root where the tooth’s blood vessels exit. Abscesses cause a throbbing pain, swelling, and a foul taste and odor, and are often accompanied by fever. They constitute an emergency and do not go away on their own.

We can safely drain an abscess. We will then carry out a root canal procedure, removing the infected dental pulp and filling in the tooth with a sealant. We will also take x-rays to determine whether the infection has spread. If it has, antibiotics will be necessary. A periapical abscess could develop into sepsis, so don’t wait to come into our office if you are worried you might have a dental pulp infection.

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.

 

Traumatic Tooth Loss

Nobody ever plans to get a tooth knocked out, which is why it’s important for you to know what to do if it happens. With more people enjoying the outdoors during the summer, dental avulsion (as traumatic tooth loss is scientifically called), is a greater risk, but we at Bayberry Dental Care may be able to help if patients follow this advice.

A tooth that has been knocked out should only be held by its crown, not its root. Ideally, the patient will have an ADA-approved tooth container close at hand in a first aid kit. If not, the next best thing is to rinse the tooth with a sterile saline solution and then place it back in its socket. It may take some care to make sure the tooth is facing the right way. If the tooth cannot be reinserted, the patient may try placing it between their gum and cheek or transporting it in a cup of milk.

A tooth that has been cracked at the root may be impossible to save. Dentists also do not re-insert baby teeth that have been prematurely displaced because they may subsequently fail to fall out when the adult tooth is ready to erupt. If a child loses a tooth prematurely, we may recommend an orthodontic spacer to prevent the gap between their remaining teeth from closing. Also, keep in mind that lacerations to the face should take priority over a lost tooth during an emergency. However, we can often save teeth, and when we can’t, we can provide patients with a temporary crown prior to fabricating a partial denture.

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.

 

Alzheimer's Disease and Oral Bacteria

If you’ve kept up with your brushing and flossing, you might see some unexpected benefits later in life. That’s the conclusion of several recent studies investigating a link between oral bacteria and Alzheimer’s disease. Patients suffering from gingivitis can expect compassionate treatment at Bayberry Dental Care in Tinley Park, but we wanted to pass along this news to inspire our readers to keep up their oral hygiene.

One of the bacteria species that causes gum disease is Porphyromonas gingivalis. It secretes an enzyme called a gingipain that is commonly found in brains and spinal fluid, but is especially common in people with Alzheimer’s. Testing on animals revealed that gingipains destroy brain cells and trigger the production of substances that comprise the neural plaque that disrupts Alzheimer’s patients’ neurological function.

Additional recent studies have shown that P. gingivalis is able to spread from oral infections into neural fluid, including in the brain. Scientists do not expect oral bacteria to be the sole cause of Alzheimer’s, but they say this could be an important piece of the puzzle and are developing new drugs based on this research. We know that Alzheimer’s patients have difficulty maintaining their oral hygiene, and this could create a feedback loop. However, patients may be able to prevent Alzheimer’s from beginning by keeping their teeth clean and keeping regular dental appointments.

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.

 

Asthma and Tooth Decay

We work hard a Bayberry Dental Care to assist patients with particular dental health needs. If you struggle with asthma, you may be at increased risk for developing caries and other oral infections. With respect and a gentle touch, we’ll teach you how to manage this condition and reverse decay you may already be suffering.

In people with asthma, the throat and nasal tissues are swollen. Due to difficulty breathing through their noses, they may resort to mouth breathing, particularly while asleep. This significantly increases their risk of dry mouth, also known as xerostomia. Saliva doesn’t just make swallowing food debris easier, it also neutralizes the acid that oral bacteria secrete and that is transferred to teeth from drinks such as soda. Keeping the mouth at a neutral pH level also makes it less hospitable to fungus.

A patient suffering from dry mouth may benefit from using artificial throat moisturizers. They can also stimulate saliva production by chewing sugar-free gum and increasing their water intake. While it is inadvisable to stop taking asthma medications without a doctor’s advice, patients may want to ask about alternatives if their medication is causing dry mouth as a side effect. They should also be aware that throat muscle relaxants can open the sphincter to the stomach, allowing acid reflux to occur, and that inhalant medication commonly contains sugars that will need to be brushed off teeth prior to bed.

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.

 

Benefits of Sealants

You can be a good brusher, but as long as there are deep natural grooves in your teeth, they’ll be at risk for decay. We highly value prevention at Bayberry Dental Care. To protect our patients from caries, we offer sealants that shield their teeth from decay and deprive bacteria of hiding places.

Our molars and premolars are made up of raised points, called cuspids, with indentations in between. Those indentations can easily get filled up with food debris, and children, in particular, have a difficult time cleaning them. Dental sealants are bits of plastic that are used to fill in indentations, smoothing them out and providing an extra layer of material that acid would have to break through to harm a tooth. They are commonly put on molars and premolars as soon as their surfaces are fully erupted.

The sealant placement process is easy. After brushing the teeth, we’ll apply an etching acid to them that will increase their surface area, allowing the plastic to more easily bond with enamel. We’ll then use a special light to harden the plastic. The sealant is thin enough to allow the cuspids to continue grinding food. Patients with sealants sill have to brush and floss regularly, but they get 80% fewer caries in the teeth that have been treated.

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.

 

Bad Breath and Oral Health

If you have chronically bad breath, there may be more to it than just what you eat. At Bayberry Dental Care in Tinley Park, we are concerned with the relationship between oral health and the rest of the body. Halitosis, or bad breath, could be an indicator of an issue related to oral infection or a condition with consequences for the oral cavity.

When food particles get trapped, the bacteria that consume them give off a foul odor. Bacteria can also eat things we wouldn’t find appetizing, such as nasal drip that lands on the tongue. For that reason, patients should use a tongue scraper each day and brush their tongue along with their teeth. They may also want to try antibacterial mouthwash, which comes in nonalcoholic varieties for children.

Halitosis can also be caused by dry mouth. Saliva neutralizes acid and helps wash away food debris. Medications commonly cause dry mouth as a side effect. Patients should ask their doctor about changing them if this is causing bad breath and caries, but they should not stop taking medication on their own. An autoimmune disorder could cause the salivary glands to become inflamed, preventing them from secreting adequate saliva. Diabetes can also contribute to bad breath due to changes it causes in how the body breaks down chemicals, as well as its suppression of the immune system and diabetic people’s resulting vulnerability to gum disease. This becomes less of an issue when insulin levels are controlled.

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.

 

Pulp Infections and Staining

Bayberry Dental Care in Tinley Park offers services ranging from cosmetic dentistry to root canals, and sometimes, patients are in need of both. Most tooth discoloration is due to stains on the outside of the teeth which may be removed with whitening therapies. But when a stain is on the inside, it could indicate something about the health of the tooth’s pulp.

Intrinsic staining isn’t always pathological. It can be caused by exposure to fluoride or tetracycline antibiotics during the tooth’s formation, in which case the tooth can simply be covered with a new veneer. But inflammation or necrosis of dental pulp could be painful to a patient and the infection that caused it has the potential to spread. In these cases, the tooth would look red, purple, or black. We can confirm an infection through tactile and x-ray imaging tests.

We remove infected pulp by performing root canal therapy. After the interior of the tooth has been cleaned, bleach may be temporarily put inside it to combat staining. But intrinsic stains can sink deep into enamel, so we may have to consider other options, such as a new crown or veneer. Regardless, we want our patients to leave with teeth that are not only healthy, but beautiful.

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.