Atrium Family Dental of New Lenox Blog

Receding Gums 101: What Are Receding Gums?

August 9, 2012

Filed under: Periodontics — Tags: gingivitis, gum disease, oral health, receding gum — atriumfamily @ 3:00 am

One of the most common questions asked to dental professionals is: “what are receding gums?”. In simple terms, receding gums are a result of gum disease — causing your gums to have a “receding” appearance.

What causes receding gums?

Typically, gum disease plays the largest role in causing receding gums. In simple terms, bacteria that enters the oral cavity as a result of gum disease starts to form plaque. Plaque accumulation can cause inflammation of the gums and this inflammation results in erosion of gum tissue – giving your gums a recessed appearance.

How to prevent receding gums?
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What to Do after a Tooth Extraction

August 2, 2012

Filed under: Dental Bridges,Dental Implants,Dentures,Restorative Dentistry — Tags: aftercare, dental extractions — atriumfamily @ 3:00 am

After a tooth extraction (removal) has been done by one of our dental health experts at Atrium Family Dental, your New Lenox dentist, it is essential to take correct care of the site to avoid infection, control bleeding and allow the gum tissue to heal well enough that it can easily accept a denture or dental implant.

Here’s what to do after you’ve experienced a tooth extraction or a wisdom tooth extraction for a happy, healthy smile:

1. You might experience tenderness after a tooth extraction – over-the-counter painkillers can easily help you with the discomfort or you might ask your New Lenox dentist for prescription painkillers if you find the discomfort to be too much.

2. Cold compresses can help keep the pain and swelling down after a tooth extraction but be sure not to overdo it.

3. It’s very important that you do not touch the extraction site, chew around the location or smoke at all. We suggest that you consume a great deal of fluids so that the site can remain moist.
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Getting to The Root of the Problem: What is Root Canal Therapy?

July 26, 2012

Filed under: Restorative Dentistry,Root Canals — Tags: dental procedures, root canal therapy — atriumfamily @ 3:00 am

Have you been told that you require root canal therapy? It’s important to understand what root canal therapy involves so you don’t feel uncomfortable when you come to Atrium Family Dental, your New Lenox dentist, for the actual procedure. Stress can make your experience at the dentist far more difficult than it actually has to be.

What is a Root Canal?

The Root Canal is the name for the space within the root of the tooth, it is a hollow area that contains soft tissues (the pulp and nerves). The number of these hollow canals (one to four) in a tooth depend on the type of tooth and the pulp nourishes and hydrates the tooth.
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Preventing Cavities: Super Snacks for Super Teeth

July 19, 2012

Filed under: General Dentistry,Health — Tags: healthy foods, how to care for your teeth, oral health care — atriumfamily @ 3:00 am

Preventing cavities is sometimes not an easy task. Do you find yourself prone to getting a lot of dental cavities even though you brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily and visit Atrium Family Dental, your New Lenox dentist, every six months for a regular checkup? The problem may actually be linked to your diet. Here are a few super snacks that can help keep your teeth and gums at their healthiest in the constant struggle of preventing cavities:

Fruits & Veggies:
Apples, celery and cucumbers are all excellent super snacks for your dental health. These super snacks are nutritious and will help keep clean the surfaces of your teeth and massage your gums, improving circulation.

Dairy products:
Milk, cheese and calcium help with preventing cavities. These super snacks are rich in calcium and help neutralize acids in the mouth, reducing the incidence of cavities and tooth decay.
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5 Summer Snack Tips To Protect Your Child’s Teeth

July 17, 2012

Filed under: Children's Dentistry,Health — atriumfamily @ 11:43 am

Summer days means lazy afternoons by the pool and busy evenings at sporting events, concerts or on the road traveling with the family. Concession stands and snack bars tempt us with a variety of sweets and sugar-filled soda and juices, so parents must create strategies that will protect your children’s dental health and counteract tooth decay!

Here are five easy-to-follow summer tips that will help protect your child’s teeth from decay:

Nothing beats H20. Bacteria are attracted to sugar and together they create an acid, which causes tooth decay and deterioration. Water rinses your mouth of bacteria and acid in addition to increasing the formation of your saliva.
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