dentistcountryside.mydentistsblog.comBlaine P. Cusack, DDS

Subscribe Dr. Blaine Cusack | Countryside Illinois Dentist  Dentistry No comments yet Why to look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance By admin When buying dental products, it’s a good idea to look out for the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. The first Seal of Acceptance was awarded in 1931 and it’s regarded as an important symbol of a dental product’s safety and effectiveness. Although the Seal program is strictly voluntary, approximately 100 companies participate in it and they commit significant resources to testing their products in clinical and laboratory conditions. More than 300 consumer dental products carry the Seal of Acceptance. These include toothpaste, dental floss, manual and electric toothbrushes, mouth rinse and chewing gum. You can get more information about the seal and how it is awarded for specific products at http://www.ada.org/ada/seal/ This site also contains links to the most current lists of accepted consumer products. Dentistry No comments yet How braces help both children and adults By admin Crowded or crooked teeth – known as malocclusion – not only spoil your smile, they also increase your risk of dental health problems. Corrective procedures and appliances such as braces straighten teeth and correct jaw alignment. Malocclusions are often noticed around ages 6 – 12, when the adult teeth begin to erupt. The process of straightening out teeth, known as orthodontic treatment, often begins between ages 8 and 14. The best results are obtained when a child begins treatment while they are still growing. This means it’s a good idea for a child to have an orthodontic evaluation by age 7. At this stage, they have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth. It’s possible for braces to work later � and even in adults � but there are many advantages in starting as soon as possible. Your dentist will be able to spot problems with emerging teeth and jaw growth early on, while the primary teeth are present. That’s why regular dental examinations are important. For adults, it’s not too late to correct problems such as crooked or crowded teeth, overbites, underbites, incorrect jaw position or jaw-joint disorders. The biological process involved in moving teeth is the same at any age. The difference is that adult treatment takes a little longer than a child’s treatment. As an adult’s facial bones are no longer growing, certain corrections may not be accomplished with braces alone. But, whatever your age, it’s never too late to improve your dental health and improve your smile. Dentistry No comments yet How removable partial dentures can help you By admin Removable partial dentures usually involve replacement teeth attached to plastic bases, connected by metal framework. They attach to your natural teeth with metal clasps or �precision attachments’. Precision attachments generally look better than metal clasps and are nearly invisible. Crowns may be required on your natural teeth to improve the fit of a removable partial denture. When you first get a partial denture, it may feel awkward or bulky. But you will gradually get used to wearing it. It will also take a bit of practice to get used to inserting and removing the denture. It should fit into place easily and you should never force it. Your dentist may suggest that you wear your partial denture all the time at first. While it will be uncomfortable for a while, it will help you identify if any parts of the denture need adjustment. After making adjustments, your dentist will probably recommend that you take the denture out of your mouth before going to bed and replace it in the morning. With a denture, eating should become a more pleasant experience compared to having missing teeth. But, initially, you’ll need to eat soft foods cut into small pieces. And avoid foods that are extremely sticky or hard. Some people with missing teeth find it hard to speak clearly so wearing a partial denture may help. However, you’ll probably need to practice certain words at first to get completely comfortable. While it can take a little geting used to initially, a partial denture can help you enjoy your food with less worries. Dentistry No comments yet How implants changed dentistry By admin Implants are one of the most important developments in dental care over recent years. They have created opportunities that didn’t exist before for people to improve their dental health and create the smile they want. Implants were discovered by Swedish scientist and orthopedic surgeon Dr. P.I. Br�nemark and they have transformed the quality of life for people who have missing teeth. The basis of a dental implant is a titanium rod about 1cm long. This is placed inside the jawbone and is designed to serve the same purpose as tooth roots. Implants can either be used to replace lost teeth or to help keep dentures in place more securely. One of the reaons implants have changed dental care so much is that, previously, there was often no other way to replace missing teeth permanently. And there are many people who cannot tolerate removable dentures or don’t want to wear them for some other reason. The introduction of implants had made a big change in their lives. Dentistry No comments yet Why dry mouth can be a problem and what to do about it By admin Your saliva plays an important role in your oral health and reduced saliva flow can lead to health problems. Reduced saliva flow can lead to a dry mouth and this is a common problem among older adults. It can be caused by various medical disorders and is often a side effect of medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, pain killers and diuretics. Dry mouth can be associated with various problems such as a constant sore throat, burning sensation, problems speaking, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness or dry nasal passages. Drying irritates the soft tissues in the mouth, which can make them inflamed and more susceptible to infection. Without the cleansing effects of saliva, tooth decay and other oral health problems become more common. So, if dry mouth is not treated, it can damage your teeth. Without adequate saliva to lubricate your mouth, wash away food, and neutralize the acids produced by plaque, extensive decay can occur. Your dentist can recommend various methods to restore moisture. Sugar-free candy or gum stimulates saliva flow, and moisture can be replaced by using artificial saliva and oral rinses. Dentistry No comments yet How smoking affects your teeth By admin While the general effects of smoking on your health are well-known, it can also have significant effects on your oral health. Here are some of the ways smoking can harm your oral health and hygiene: – Oral Cancer – Periodontal (gum) disease – Delayed healing after a tooth extraction or other oral surgery – Bad breath – Stained teeth and tongue – Diminished sense of taste and smell Research suggests that smoking may be responsible for almost 75% of adult gum disease. Tobacco products damage your gum tissue by affecting the attachment of bone and soft tissue to your teeth. One effect is receding gums which expose the tooth roots and increase your risk of tooth decay or to sensitivity to hot and cold in these unprotected areas. Cigar smoking is equally a major risk and even smokeless tobacco products contain a variety of toxins associated with cancer. Smokeless tobacco can also irritate your gum tissue. Giving up smoking will provide a significant boost to your oral health as well as giving you the chance to live longer. Dentistry No comments yet The keys to keeping your mouth healthy By admin A healthy mouth is a good indication of your overall health and helps you to keep a great smile and continue eating what you want for many years to come. There are a few steps you can take to make sure your mouth is as healthy as possible: – Brush your teeth twice a day using a good quality toothbrush – Renew your toothbrush regularly. It will only keep your mouth healthy if the brush is in good condition...