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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Measures to Take Before Oral Surgery

Oral surgery procedures can range from tooth extractions to receiving dental implants. Just like there are precautions to take after surgery, you’ll need to prepare yourself for your appointment. Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS of Bayberry Dental Care is here to make you feel as comfortable as possible throughout this entire process.

If you have an illness, such as a cold, flu, or an upset stomach, please notify the office of your appointment. If you take routine oral medications, please notify us of these as well. If you are ready to have a tooth removed, or dental implant surgery, you may not eat or drink anything (including water) eight hours prior to surgery. There is also no smoking up to 12 hours before. Because oral surgery requires heavy anesthesia, a responsible adult will need to accompany you to your appointment to drive you home. When arriving at the office, please be sure to wear loose-fitting clothes, no nail polish, and no makeup. If you are wearing jewelry, it will need to be removed during the procedure.

If you have questions about oral surgery, don’t hesitate to 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.

Post-Operative Extraction Care

If Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS recently performed a tooth extraction on you, the good news is that the hard part is over. You aren’t out of the woods yet, however, because following post-operation instructions are critical to the healing process. Before you leave the office, you will receive a list of post-operative instructions. In case you decided to toss yours in the trash or leave it out of sight, we are here to remind you what steps to take.

Bleeding, pain and swelling are normal occurrences after oral surgery. Swelling is the body’s natural response to surgery and healing and it can be minimized by utilizing ice packs. If bleeding doesn’t subside, the best way to stop it is by placing two pieces of damp gauze over the extraction site. Most importantly, you’ll need to stick to a soft food diet. It may be hard, but remember that it’s not permanent. While numb, patients should avoid hot food and liquid, but cold foods such as applesauce, pudding, or Jello.  

If you have questions or concerns regarding tooth extraction or post-operative 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.