Stay In-the-Know with Our Fairview Heights Dental Office

We believe in creating a relationship with our patients that goes beyond the office doors. We've specifically created this section of our site to share with you important news and informational dental blogs from our Fairview Heights family dental practice.

Sincerely,

Your Fairview Heights Cosmetic Dentists

Fluoride Myths and Facts
November 23, 2021

Fluoride is a controversial topic, but is fluoride dangerous? Learning about fluoride and how it affects you and those you care about is incredibly important.

 

Fluoride and Water

 

Fluoride occurs naturally in drinking water without additions needing to be made at all. Fluoride is added to drinking water because the naturally occurring amount of fluoride in the water isn’t enough to help strengthen our teeth and bones.

 

Strengthening Enamel

 

Your enamel is the part of your tooth that your food touches as you chew. This part of your tooth protects the rest of it, like a shield. Once the enamel is cracked or broken, your tooth quickly decays, leading you to tooth pain. Fluoride helps you by strengthening your enamel both when you brush and when you drink water.

 

Fluorosis

 

When you’re a child, you’re taught to spit out your toothpaste, not to swallow it, because of fluorosis. When appropriately used in products, fluoride is entirely harmless, but ingesting too much fluoride, just like any other vitamin or mineral, can have consequences in the form of fluorosis. Fluorosis is incredibly rare and usually happens when small children get ahold of a tube of toothpaste. You should always follow the guidelines on toothpaste use for both adults and children.

 

Fluoride isn’t a danger to your health or the health of your loved ones when used as intended. It can have some adverse effects if you ingest a larger amount of it at a time. Do you have more questions about fluoride and how it helps you? Feel free to ask us at your next appointment!

 

3 Things to know about Replacing your Toothbrush
October 27, 2021

 

 

Replacing your toothbrush is an easy task, so much so that many people don't often think about doing it until it's been a significant amount of time. Here are three things you should know about replacing your toothbrush.

 

Bacteria Buildup

 

Bacteria builds up on your toothbrush daily; though it's a very small amount in relation to surfaces like the bathroom sink, bacteria does still build up. After about three to four months, your toothbrush is a bacteria playground.

 

You Should Replace Your Toothbrush More Often

 

Because of the bacterial buildup, it's suggested you replace your toothbrush every three to four months to avoid bad breath and tooth decay. If you don't replace your toothbrush regularly, it'll become less effective, potentially leading to dental illnesses.

 

Different Kinds of Toothbrushes

 

The kind of toothbrush you use doesn't matter nearly as much as you think it may. So long as the American Dental Association approves it, it's an excellent toothbrush. Regular toothbrushes and battery-operated toothbrushes don't have a different cleaning ability either, so picking the right toothbrush boils down to which you'd prefer.

 

Replacing your toothbrush is incredibly important, and so long as you replace it regularly and get a toothbrush you'd like to use often, you'll have the right tool to maintain your dental health. If you have any more questions about your toothbrush, ask us at your next appointment!

 

Dentures or Dental Implants?
September 30, 2021

What is the Difference?

 

Dentures and Dental Implants are two very different kinds of dental health solutions. Both have pros and cons and concluding which is better for you is essential for your dental health plan. Which one should you consider, though?

 

Dentures

 

Dentures are prosthetic devices designed to be supported by hard and soft tissue where your teeth used to be. You can get these both in full or partial dentures, ensuring that your current teeth are kept. 

 

Pros

 

Both removable and permanent options are available

Customizable

Look Natural

 

Cons

 

Cant eat certain foods, 

non-permanent varieties cannot stay in while you sleep

Cannot eat certain foods

Not as natural as implants

 

Dental Implants

 

Dental implants are a far more permanent solution to any missing teeth and are often considered the best option for getting your smile back. This process gives you durable, efficient teeth that can be cleaned and tended to without issues for the rest of your life—helping you eat what you like.

 

Pros

 

Durable and long-lasting

Restores chewing and speaking ability

Promotes healthy gums

 

Cons

 

Lengthy healing process

Requires surgery to install, which can lead to pain and swelling


 

Both dental implants and dentures are great ways to come to dental health solutions for your best smile. Deciding your best option, though, is up to you. If you’d like to talk about your options, feel free to ask us about your dental health plan at your next appointment!

 

 

How to Get Kids to Brush Their Teeth
August 31, 2021

Our Office Shares Fun Ways to Get Your Kids Excited about Dental Care

Many kids are averse to brushing, and as a parent, it can be difficult to get them to brush regularly. Kids will be sneaky as they try to avoid brushing, so how do you get them to want to brush their teeth? Learn more with the help of our dentist!

 

Make it a Game

For younger kids making brushing their teeth, a game is a great way to get them to start brushing regularly. Fighting the sugar bugs, or the tooth monsters is a great idea that can get them excited about brushing twice a day.

 

Let Them Pick Their Tools

Kids like to feel independent so letting them pick their toothbrush and toothpaste can make them feel empowered and encourage a desire to brush their teeth. They get to use their cool toothbrushes and their awesome toothpaste to brush away those tiny tooth monsters.

 

Start Early

This is essential, getting them excited about brushing their teeth early will make this daily habit easier to enforce as they get older. Learning to brush their teeth while their young seriously reduces the probability that they’ll see not brushing their teeth as a sign of rebellion later in their teen years.

 

Positive Language

One way you can make a positive impact on your child is by using positive language and a positive angle with brushing your teeth. Don’t threaten that they’ll have a bad smile, or that their teeth will break down, paint a triumphant picture. Paint your child as the hero, slaying the sugar bugs in their mouth. Using positive language and tactics will get them excited about brushing.

 

If you’re still having trouble getting your kids to brush their teeth, feel free ask at your next appointment with our dentist for more tips to get them brushing again! Call our office to schedule your visit and our front desk staff will happily assist you.

 

Summer Dental Tips on the Go
July 01, 2021
Summer is officially in full swing! We know how busy your summer schedule gets and since it’s time to enjoy the beautiful weather, it’s important to enjoy it with a shining smile. Whether you’re going on a trip soon or your days are completely full, our Fairview Heights family dentist doesn’t want your dental health to be pushed to the wayside and forgotten. Let’s take a look at some easy and simple ways to take care of your teeth and gums while you’re on the go so your smile can stay healthy all summer long!
 
Carry a Travel Toothbrush
Let’s face it – sometimes, we forget to brush our teeth in the morning, especially if we’re in a rush. If your schedule is tight, you may not realize that you’ve forgotten to brush your teeth until you’re already out the door and it’s too late to turn around and go back. Without brushing your teeth in the morning, your smile is vulnerable throughout the day and you won’t be able to properly clean it until you get home.
 
By carrying a travel toothbrush – something small, compact, and easy to store – you’re able to keep your smile fresh even when you’re on the move. The importance of brushing your teeth in the morning is to remove the excess residue that built up overnight, as well as protecting your teeth throughout the day with the help of your toothpaste’s protective ingredients. Travel-sized toothbrushes and toothpastes are found in most convenient and drug stores – you can even get them at our office after your routine appointments!
 
Don’t Forget to Floss!
Every morning and night during your brushing routine, it’s important to remember flossing, too! This step cleans the hard-to-reach places between your teeth that your toothbrush bristles simply can’t clean to the best of their ability. Without flossing, that stubborn bacteria and lingering food particles are sticking around and slowly but surely causing havoc to your smile.
 
If you find yourself forgetting to floss every morning and night, try carrying it around with your travel kit! Leave floss in your car, purse, bag, desk, and anywhere that you check on a regular basis to remind you of this important step. This doesn’t require a sink and some water and can be done anywhere. While it’s certainly not a glamorous habit, your smile will thank you in the long run – and so will we!
 
Enjoy Sugar-Free Gum
A beneficial habit you begin is chewing sugar-free gum. If you find yourself forgetting to brush your teeth in the morning before you’ve left the house, enjoying sugar-free gum help to stimulate saliva flow in your mouth. Your saliva works to clear away plaque and food particles from your teeth and gums to protect them from bacterial build-up and lowers your risk of cavities. Don’t hesitate to ask our team about which sugar-free gums are best to use (hint: they usually have an ADA seal on them!).
 
There are countless other ways to keep your smile healthy while you’re on the move this summer, so be sure to ask our Fairview Heights family dentist during your next routine cleaning! Call our office at (618) 622-1800 to get ahead of schedule so the rest of your summer vacation will be a breeze.
 
Benefits of Orthodontics for All Ages
June 22, 2021
Looking for a straighter smile? If you’ve never had orthodontic treatment as a teen and are looking for ways to correct your dental alignment, there are options available for adults. It’s never too late to straighten your teeth so you’re confidently sharing your smile with the world. Our dentist in Fairview Heights breaks down orthodontics, including its benefits and common concerns patients may have.
 
Why Orthodontics?
Let’s start at the very basics. When it comes to your oral health, it’s essentially a window into your overall health. You may not know it, but if your teeth and gums aren’t properly taken care of, you’re at risk for other health issues. By ignoring certain care, your oral health isn’t the only thing that’s vulnerable, but it is the beginning. With the help of orthodontic treatment, you’re able to ensure proper function of your teeth and maintain a long-lasting and healthy smile.
 
Orthodontics isn’t solely done to improve the aesthetics of your grin. If your teeth are properly aligned, you’ll have an easier time biting, chewing, and speaking. You’ll also have an easier time cleaning your teeth, even the hard-to-reach places in the back, since misaligned teeth give patients a harder time properly maintaining them during their daily routine. Without addressing misalignment in a timely manner, your tooth enamel will wear down in abnormal ways, causing extensive and expensive corrections in your future.
 
When it comes to orthodontic treatment, there is no quick fix, so don’t be fooled by any promotions that promise speed. It’s a complex and intricate process that ensures your teeth are being properly aligned in an efficient and safe method that has been thoroughly studied for years by thousands of dental professionals. It’s more than adjusting your smile – your facial structure is being changed, as well, so everyone’s treatment will be different and unique depending on their case. We encourage patients to ask as many questions as possible about their treatment to ensure comfort, expectations, and results.
 
Age and Orthodontic Treatment
One of the most well-known recommendations when it comes to orthodontic treatment is to receive care as early as possible. The American Association of Orthodontists recommend that children have their first check-up with an orthodontist no later than the age of 7. This age is chosen because kids have enough permanent teeth for orthodontists to evaluate their developing teeth and jaw, finding enough information to decide what the next best step is. Orthodontists are also able to monitor children’s developing teeth and jaw over time and make sure that either things are going in the right direction or that treatment is necessary.
 
If you’re well past the age of 7 and haven’t had any orthodontic treatment, you may be thinking: well, what next? Thankfully, adults’ teeth can be moved, too. Our dentist in Fairview Heights wants patients not to feel discouraged from receiving orthodontic treatment at any age since there are always options available. One of the biggest differences between kids and teens getting orthodontic treatment compared to adults is the length of treatment time – since adults are no longer growing, their teeth may take longer to be properly shifted in the correct place. Like we’ve mentioned, everyone’s smile is different, so don’t be afraid to ask any and all questions and concerns you have to ensure all of your inquiries are addressed.
 
Still wondering if orthodontics is the right step for your smile this Summer? Call our dentist in Fairview Heights today at (618) 622-1800 to learn more and see how your smile can get more than just an aesthetic upgrade with the help of orthodontic treatment.
 
Avoiding Dental Visits
May 24, 2021
It’s no secret that countless patients aren’t fond of visiting the dentist. Whether it’s due to your personal anxiety or putting off an issue that should be addressed, it may have been some time since you’ve gone to the dentist and now it’s time! Scheduling an appointment with our family dentist in Fairview Heights is a huge hurdle to make, but first let’s break down the worries and fears and why battling these issues is the best choice for your smile.
 
Finding the Perfect Dentist
One of the many difficulties patients run into is finding the best dentist that’s right for their oral health. When searching for a professional in your area, the results may be overwhelming! This is where it’s important to know what you’re looking for when it comes to a dental professional like our family dentist in Fairview Heights.
 
When visiting a website, be sure it has all these things:
 
• Easy, simple, and quick accessibility
• The information you need upfront – phone number, address, etc.
• The dental services or procedures you need or may look for in the future
• Helpful information about the staff and office environment
 
Your goals deserve to be met and your worries deserve to be addressed. Our staff understands that every patient has their own concerns when it comes to their dental health and we want to make you feel as comfortable as possible. We pride ourselves in carrying an open dialogue with every patient to ensure their needs are being heard and met. There is no wrong or uninformative question – we encourage you to ask any and everything you’re wondering so we can provide the knowledge you need for a healthier smile.
 
Why Avoiding the Dentist is a Costly Choice
There are numerous dental problems that go by unnoticed, getting worse and worse until it becomes painful! Therefore, we highly encourage visiting every six months for a routine cleaning and check-up. While brushing and flossing regularly is helpful, there are areas that even this daily routine can’t properly clean. Your teeth may look great and feel great, but there is constant bacterial buildup that can only be cleaned off by a professional.
 
If you’ve experienced a sharp pain in your tooth, only for it to go away after a moment, this is still worthy of addressing to our family dentist in Fairview Heights. These are warning signs, your smile trying to tell you that something is wrong, so just because the pain goes away doesn’t mean it won’t come back. We want all patients to tell us every sharp, dull, short, or long-lasting pain they’ve experienced so we can address it as early as possible and get your dental health back on the right track.
 
By avoiding going to the dentist every six months, every year, and longer, your smile may not be the only thing that suffers. Your oral health is well connected to your overall health, so if there’s an untreated infection, it may lead into your bloodstream. As time goes on, complications will continue to arise, so visiting our office for a thorough exam goes a long way.
 
The priority of our family dentist in Fairview Heights is to provide a healthy and long-lasting smile for every patient that walks through our doors. Give our office a call at (618) 622-1800 to discuss when your last appointment was, what your concerns are, and we’ll work together to restore and improve your dental health. It’s not too late to have the smile you want!
 
Oral Cancer Awareness Month
April 20, 2021
This April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, approximately 54,000 people in the US will be newly diagnosed with oral cancer in 2021. Every appointment with our Fairview Heights dentist scans for any signs or symptoms, which is why it’s extremely important to maintain your routine visits to our office. Learn more about oral cancer below, including causes, symptoms, and treatments.
 
There are multiple areas that oral cancer is detected – the lips, cheeks, tongue, floor of the mouth, sinuses, throat, and the hard and soft palates. If it’s not diagnosed and treated early, it may be life threatening. There are several risk factors for oral cancer, some that may be more obvious than others. According to the American Cancer Society, men face twice the risk of developing oral cancer and men over the age of 50 face the greatest risk.
 
Further risks include tobacco use, whether by smoking or other tobacco products. People who smoke cigarettes and cigars are six times more likely to develop oral cancer than nonsmokers. People who use other tobacco products like chewing tobacco are 50 times more likely to develop a form of oral cancer in their cheeks, gums, and the linings of their lips due to the direct and immediate contact. Oral cancer is not the only health risk of tobacco use, but it is one of the greatest risks.
 
Other risk factors include excessive consumption of alcohol, which is six times more common in those who drink than others, a family history of cancer, excessive sun exposure, and certain HPV strains. It is also important to note that over 25% of the instances of oral cancer occur in people who do not smoke and only drink occasionally. Because of this information, visiting our office every six months for routine scans and x-rays is a small price to pay to catch any symptoms you may be experiencing.
 
Here are the most common symptoms of oral cancer:
• Lumps, bumps, swelling, or tough spots around the lips, gums, or other areas inside your mouth
• White, red, or speckled patches in your mouth
• Unexplained bleeding in your mouth
• Persistent sores that bleed easily and don’t go away or heal within 2 weeks
• Difficulty chewing or swallowing
• Chronic sore throat, as if something is caught in the back of your throat
• And more
 
If you’re noticing any of these symptoms, or something simply just doesn’t feel right when it comes to your mouth, teeth, or gums, we highly recommend scheduling an appointment with our Fairview Heights dentist right away to address these issues.
 
During your routine dental exam, we’ll conduct an oral cancer screening. We’ll externally check for any lumps or irregularities in your neck, face, and oral cavity. When we examine your mouth, we’ll look for any sores, discolored tissues, or other notable symptoms or signs. If we find a suspicious area, we call for a biopsy for further examination. We’ll explain the different kinds of biopsies and which one we find is best for you, since no two smiles or treatments are the same.
 
To get ahead and prevent oral cancer, there are simple but notorious changes that patients can make to protect their smile. Quitting the harmful habit of tobacco use will sharply cut down your chances of oral cancer, but other prevention methods include a well-balanced diet and properly caring for your skin when exposed to the sun with the help of protective lotions and lip balms. Ask us about ways to potentially detect any symptoms or signs early, including conducting a self-exam at home.
 
Call our office at (618) 622-1800 to schedule your routine visit and ask us more about oral cancer as well as numerous ways to protect your smile, not just today, but every day. 
 
Time for Your Spring Cleaning
March 23, 2021
It’s officially Spring! After a long and dreary winter, it’s time to break out and enjoy the sun. As you begin your spring cleaning throughout your home, it’s important to schedule the spring cleaning for your smile. Let your teeth and gums stay healthy and happy through the warmer months by scheduling your routine cleaning and exam with our dentist in Fairview Heights before you’re swept away in all the fun in the sun.
 
During Your Spring Cleaning
When you visit our office for your cleaning and exam, we’ll catch you up to speed on how your dental health is and answer any questions or concerns you have about your smile. We’re here to help and we want to ensure you’re getting the cleanest, strongest smile possible.
 
Our dentist in Fairview Heights will perform a thorough exam first to see what’s changed since your last visit. If it’s been over a year, it’s likely that x-rays will be taken so we can see what’s under the surface. With the help of x-rays, we’re able to see what can’t be seen with the naked eye and address any problems in their early stages in order to prevent them from worsening. There are numerous dental issues that, if addressed too late, cannot be reversed including gum disease.
 
After this, you’ll receiving your cleaning from one of our amazing hygienists. The build-up of plaque and bacteria will be efficiently removed from those hard-to-reach places that can’t be done at home. Then, we’ll polish your teeth to increase the resistance of stain and bacterial build-up on the surface to further protect your smile. Around this time, we encourage you to ask all questions you have about your dental health that our professionals can assist with, whether it be tips to better care at home or other procedures that may benefit your smile.
 
Starting Fresh
Now that you’re starting fresh with your newly cleansed smile, be sure to keep up the care! Adjust your daily routine to make sure you’re brushing AND flossing every single day. You’ve got a clean slate and it’s time to keep it that way. Be sure that you are:
- Brushing your teeth twice a day, every day, for at least two minutes. Your brushing routine should be careful, but thorough. Aggressively brushing your teeth won’t make them any cleaner – in fact, that will do more harm than good! Small, gentle circles are the best way to give your teeth and gums the best cleaning possible.
- Floss, floss, floss! This step is usually skipped and trust us, we can tell. It’s essential for warding off cavities, plaque buildup, and gum disease. Try flossing after your meals and be sure to floss before bed, too.
- Wondering about mouthwash? There are several kinds of mouthwashes that have different treatments, so don’t hesitate to ask our team about if mouthwash is right for you and which to try.
 
Benefits of Routine Cleanings
One of the most common reasons that people skip their routine visits to the dentist is that they don’t see anything wrong with their smile, so there’s no reason to go. Unfortunately, this simply isn’t the case. Many dental issues can’t be seen with the naked eye until they’ve gotten so extreme that extreme, advanced measures need to be taken. As dental health professionals, we don’t want you to get to that step! It will be completely avoided if you maintain your bi-annual visits for cleanings, exams, and x-rays.
 
 By visiting our dentist in Fairview Heights every six months, you’re ensuring the following benefits for your smile:
- Healthier teeth and gums
- Fresher breath
- Brighter teeth
- Reduced risk for dental problems
- Improved overall health
- And more!
 
Call us today at (618) 622-1800 to get your spring cleaning started and ask us about ways to maintain a routine to protect, improve and strengthen your smile. We can’t wait to see you!
 
What to Expect at Your Latest Dental Visit
February 23, 2021
Visiting the dentist, while a seemingly simple appointment, is something that countless people dread! Whether it’s the uncertainty of your results or due to previously difficult experiences, these moments may keep you from taking the next step and scheduling your appointment. The goal of our Fairview Heights dentist is to give you the healthiest and happiest smile possible. Below, we’ll break down what patients should expect when visiting our office.
 
Before Your Visit
We want everyone to feel as comfortable and prepared as possible before their visit to our office, so there are helpful steps to take that will put you at ease before you even walk through our doors!
 
We encourage patients to ask as many questions as they would like to put your mind at ease when it comes to your appointment. From how long a cleaning and exam typically takes for a first visit in a long time to inquiring about your current insurance, there are numerous things that patients may not have the answers to, and we are here to help. When it comes to paperwork, we will either guide you to our online forms or send you copies to print and fill out in the comfort of your own home. If you have any concerns about the contents of the forms, don’t hesitate to ask us!
 
During Your Visit
Once you’re called back for your appointment, our Fairview Heights dentist will meet with you to take a look at your teeth and gums. During this time, we’re checking out how your teeth have been since your last appointment. X-rays will almost always be necessary to see what’s lying underneath your smile since our team can’t see everything about your smile with the naked eye. Most dental issues can be spotted early with the help of x-rays, so without them, some dental problems may be irreversible if they go unaddressed for too long!
 
If you’re experiencing any dental pain during your appointment, please let us know right away. We want to give you the best possible experience – your comfort is just as important to us as your dental health.
 
During your cleaning, our hygienists will thoroughly exam and clean the hard-to-reach areas of your mouth to get rid of the built-up plaque and bacteria. We recommend visiting our office every six months so this build up doesn’t get out of control and can be better and easier removed during your appointments.
 
If there are any other issues brought up by our team, we’ll thoroughly discuss them with you and when the best time to return to our office is.
 
After Your Visit
After you’ve finished your cleaning, it’s important to schedule your next appointment! That gives you the best choice of appointment dates and times, as well as eliminates the possibility of forgetting to schedule it in the future. It’s quick and efficient to do it right after your appointment before leaving the office. Be sure to jot down the date and time in your phones and calendars with reminders, so once the time approaches, you’ll have just enough time to prepare for your routine visit.
 
If you have any questions about your future appointments or other services we offer at our practice, don’t hesitate to give our Fairview Heights dentist a call at (618) 622-1800 and we’ll happily assist you in any and all of your concerns.
 
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