Don’t underestimate the connection between oral health and overall health. Your mouth’s health can greatly impact how the rest of your body feels. Think of your mouth as a window to the rest of your health. Our dentists near the Chicago Loop and Blooomingdale wanted to debunk some common myths about oral health so you can properly take care of your smile and body.

Myth 1: Sugar is the Main Reason for Tooth Decay

While sugar certainly plays a role in decay and the development of cavities, it’s not the sole culprit. Naturally occurring bacteria in your mouth cause acids to develop, which results in excess plaque buildup on and in-between your teeth. Consuming carbohydrates may cause this process to occur more often. Failure to floss and brush your teeth can certainly accelerate the formation of decay.

Myth 2: Gum Disease Isn’t Common

Our dentists near the Chicago Loop and Bloomingdale hear this often, but it’s not actually the case. Nearly 50 percent of adults ages 30 or over experience gum disease to some degree. Sixty-four percent of adults 65 and older experience moderate-to-severe gum disease. How come? Aging makes us naturally more susceptible to infections in our mouths. To combat this, ensure you continue to take care of your teeth and gums as you get older.

Myth 3: Fillings Made Out of Silver Aren’t Bad for My Health

Did you know that 52 percent of silver fillings are made with mercury? With time, mercury can leach into the mouth and cause serious health issues like certain autoimmune and chronic diseases. We recommend replacing old, silver fillings with composite “tooth-colored” fillings. Otherwise, try to avoid this material altogether to be safe.
If you ever have hesitations or questions about your oral health, don’t be afraid to reach out to our dentists near the Chicago Loop and Bloomingdale. We make it our priority to always put our patients first, so you have the healthiest smile possible. Call us today to schedule a reservation!
Source: Colgate

Chronic gum disease, also known as periodontitis, affects nearly 50 percent of adults over the age of 30 in the United States. Our dedicated dentists near downtown Chicago and Bloomingdale want to ensure that none of our patients are part of that statistic. Here’s some key points about gum disease and what you can do to avoid it.

Warning Signs

We can’t emphasize enough the importance of great oral hygiene. Gum disease occurs when the tissues that surround and support your teeth become infected. It’s usually painless so it may not be obvious that you have it.
If you notice that your gums are red, swollen tender, or bleed easily, it may be a sign of gum disease. You also may notice that you have bad breath or that your permanent teeth are loose or separating. If your case is aggressive enough, you may notice that you are rapidly losing tissue and bone in some areas of your mouth.

Factors That Increase the Development of Gum Disease

Poor oral hygiene in general can be a large factor that leads to gum disease. Other factors include smoking or chewing tobacco, genetics, crooked teeth that are difficult to clean, diabetes, pregnancy and certain medications.
The earliest stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. At this stage, gum disease is reversible and our dentists near downtown Chicago and Bloomingdale are happy to give you a professional cleaning to help eliminate the chances of developing gum disease. The best way to avoid periodontitis is by regularly brushing and flossing your teeth. If you feel like you may be developing early signs of gum disease, please contact our dentists near downtown Chicago and Bloomingdale today!
Source: Mouth Healthy