Pediatric Sealants

Did you know that cavities are common in kids ages five to fourteen? With baby teeth falling out and adult teeth coming in, deep grooves and gaps make it difficult for kids to brush their teeth thoroughly. We at Bayberry Dental Care take pride in educating our young patients about proper oral hygiene. Sometimes, though, certain procedures are required to help young patients prevent cavities. Sealants prevent food from getting stuck in grooves and gaps, which ultimately prevents the process of tooth decay. Your Tinley Park dentist is committed to helping your child stay cavity-free!

In addition to regular brushing and flossing, dental sealants are applied in an effort to keep out tooth decay. Sealants are plastic coatings placed on the chewing surfaces of your child’s back teeth. Your Tinley Park dentist fills in the grooves that are hard to reach while brushing, with the thin plastic material. This added layer of protection greatly lowers your child’s chances of developing a cavity.

When you help your child prevent cavities at an early age, they are less likely to have oral health problems as an adult. The way they take care of their baby teeth directly affects how taking care of their adult teeth will be. Solidify good dental hygiene habits now by encouraging your child to take care of their teeth properly, and they will be rewarded with a lifetime of good oral health.

Do you think your child could benefit from dental sealants? We are happy to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have! For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit bayberrydentalcare.com or call 708-802-8300. Bayberry Dental Care is located at 8014 W 171st St. in Tinley Park, IL 60477.

 

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.

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.

 

Cavity Characteristics

There are two main factors that contribute to cavities. One is bacteria in the mouth and the other is a diet that is high in sugar. It’s no surprise that cavities are common among children, but changes that occur with aging, make cavities an adult problem, too. To prevent cavities from developing you should brush and floss on a daily basis, in addition to scheduling professional cleanings with Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS at Bayberry Dental Care twice a year.

Cavities, or tooth decay, are the destruction of your tooth enamel, the hard, outer layer of your teeth. Tooth decay is heavily influenced by lifestyle, what we eat, how well we take care of our teeth, and the presence of fluoride in our water and toothpaste. Only your dentist can tell for sure if you have one because sometimes cavities cause little to no pain at all. Regardless of how and where they occur, the best way to spot them and treat them before they become serious is by visiting Dr. Kathleen Falsey, DDS for checkups.

If you are experiencing signs of tooth decay, please give us a call to discuss your treatment options. 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.