Here’s a little experiment:

Place your fingers on the sides of your face, just ahead of your ears. Now, open and close your mouth. That movement you feel is your two temporomandibular joints (TMJ) at work! These joints connect your jaw to your skull and help you eat, talk, sing, and do anything that requires your mouth to move. Sometimes, these joints can become painful or might click or pop. Research estimates around 10 million people are affected by some sort of TMJ dysfunction—including some of our very own patients at Dental Health and Beauty in Libertyville, IL! Keep reading to learn more about this issue and what can be done about it.

Signs & Symptoms of TMJ Dysfunction

Signs and symptoms of TMJ dysfunction, which can affect one or both temporomandibular joints, may include:

• Jaw, face, and neck pain
• Stiffness or abnormal movement in the jaw (sometimes it might feel like your jaw will lock or pop out of place)
• Clicking or popping in the jaw
• Malocclusion (when the upper and lower teeth don’t line up properly)
• Tooth sensitivity without any known dental infection or dental problem
• Earaches

What Causes TMJ Dysfunction?

The temporomandibular joints are made of an elegant coordination of muscles, ligaments, tendons, bones, cartilage, and other tissues. Sometimes, any one of these tissues can become affected or impaired, leading to dysfunction in the joint.]Some of the most common causes of TMJ include:

• Slouching with a forward head or other types of poor posture that strain the neck and TMJ
• Physical trauma that affects the TMJ or jaw, such as a blow to the head or whiplash
• Teeth grinding (called bruxism) or frequent jaw clenching, which are often related to stress or other underlying health conditions
• Abnormal tooth alignment
• Growing-in wisdom teeth
• Genetic factors including a cleft palate

Sometimes, you might not know exactly what’s causing your TMJ dysfunction. Fortunately, professional treatment may still be able to help you. To help you find relief, our Libertyville dentist can offer custom mouthguards and other devices, jaw exercises, pain-relieving medications, and more. Struggling with TMJ dysfunction? Contact Dr. Nicholas Polito of Dental Health and Beauty at (847) 367-1133 to schedule a dental exam and get the solutions you deserve.

The normal characteristics of the tongue include being moist, thicker in the center than it is at the edges (with the thickest part at its base), and covered with a light, white coating. If your tongue has different characteristics than those associated with a normal tongue, they can provide insight into your overall health. So, then the question is; what is your tongue trying to say?

Here’s What Your Tongue is Trying to Tell You

Take a look at your tongue in the mirror, if you have any of the characteristics listed below, you may want to make an appointment for a checkup with Dr. Nicholas Polito at Dental Health and Beauty in Libertyville, Illinois.

A Persistent Lump or Sore

Individuals over the age of 40 are at an increased risk for the development of oral cancer, especially those who smoke or chew tobacco.

Typically, the first sign of mouth cancer is a persistent lump or sore on the side of the tongue. Some of the other symptoms include numbness, bleeding, white or red patches.

If you have any of these symptoms, seek treatment right away. When diagnosed and treated early on, the prognosis of oral cancer is usually good.

White Patches

Although white patches may indicate mouth cancer, there are other reasons that these patches develop.

Other causes of white patches include:

• Chronic alcohol consumption.
• Poor dental hygiene.
• Chewing or smoking tobacco.
• Thrush.

If the white patches developed due to poor oral hygiene, you need to implement a daily routine that includes brushing twice a day (in two-minute intervals), with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Be sure to use a toothpaste that contains fluoride. This toothpaste should have the ADA’s Seal of Approval. In addition, you need to floss at least once a day.

If you frequently drink alcoholic beverages, reducing your consumption of these beverages may help.

Breaking the habit of chewing or smoking tobacco can help improve the appearance of the teeth themselves as well as prevent the development of white patches related to the use of these products. In addition, your likelihood of developing mouth cancer decreases.

Thrush is caused by the overdevelopment of a yeast-like fungus (i.e., Candida albicans). Although the overdevelopment of Candida albicans is more common in babies, people of any age can develop thrush.

Inflammation

Common reasons for tongue swelling include accidentally biting it, as a reaction to taking a drink of an extremely hot beverage, or attempting to consume a really hot piece of food.

If your tongue begins to swell after consuming something you have never eaten or following an insect sting, seek medical assistance right away. This inflammation may be due to an allergic reaction, which, if left untreated, could be fatal because as the tongue swells it can impair an individual’s ability to breathe.

If you have any of the symptoms listed above or need a checkup, contact Dental Health and Beauty at 847-367-1133 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Nicholas Polito. You can also use the online appointment request form by clicking here. Dental Health and Beauty is located at 1109 West Park Avenue in Libertyville, Illinois.

Since a healthy mouth is an integral part of a child’s overall health, parents need to teach their children how to properly care for their teeth. By establishing an at-home dental care routine and scheduling biannual visits to the dentist, parents are showing their children the importance of practicing good oral hygiene.

Oral Hygiene from Birth to 6 Months

Healthy habits now can prevent or reduce cavities later. Once their baby is done eating, parents need to clean their baby’s gums.

Wrap a clean, moistened washcloth around the end of the index finger and use it to gently massage the baby’s gum tissue.

Teething usually starts between 4 to 6 months. Cold temperatures help soothe the symptoms associated with teething therefore, parents can ease these symptoms by providing their infant with a clean, refrigerated teething ring (not frozen) or a clean, cold wet washcloth.

Dental decay is transmissible, as such, parents need to avoid holding the infant’s bottle or testing its temperature and cleaning the nipple (or pacifier) with their mouths. In addition, utensils should not be shared (e.g., spoons, etc.).

Mothers who breastfeed must also clean their infants’ mouths following feedings. Whether a baby is using a bottle or breastfeeding, once the baby’s teeth begin to erupt, night feedings should be discontinued.

6 to 12 Months

Once the first tooth erupts, in addition to massaging the child’s gum tissue, parents can begin brushing with plain water and a child-sized toothbrush that has soft bristles.

Parents should monitor the appearance of their child’s teeth and gum tissue. If brown or white spots develop, this could indicate decay. If these characteristics are present, parents should call 847-367-1133 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Nicholas Polito.

Unless a problem arises, children should have their first dental appointment before their first birthday or within six months of the first tooth’s eruption, whichever comes first.

From 12 Months to Kindergarten

Parents should brush their child’s teeth two times a day (just using plain water) and gently floss once.

Once their child reaches the age of 2, parents can begin using a pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste, however, after brushing, make sure this toothpaste is spat out.

By the time a child reaches 2 ½, all his or her primary teeth should have erupted. At this point, parents can begin teaching their children how to brush and floss.

When children reach the age of 3, they should no longer be drinking a bottle, sucking their thumb or using a pacifier.

If a child is older than 3 and still sucks his or her thumb, drinks from a bottle or uses a pacifier, parents should speak with Dr. Polito, he will have some tips on ways they can help their child with breaking these habits. Also, parents who reside in an area where the drinking water is not fluoridated need to let Dr. Nicholas Polito at Dental Health and Beauty know. He may recommend a fluoride supplement.

By the time children turn 6 or 7, they can usually brush their teeth and floss without supervision. In addition to the biannual cleanings and exams the child has at Dental Health and Beauty, parents need to keep an eye out for cavities. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Nicholas Polito, call 847-367-1133 or click here. Dental Health and Beauty is located at 1109 West Park Avenue in Libertyville, Illinois.

Invisalign is a revolutionary treatment that offers patients a way to discreetly address crooked and misaligned teeth. Invisalign offers patients numerous benefits, making the teeth-straightening process easier than ever before.

Who Should Consider Invisalign Treatment?

Teens who would like to straighten their teeth without using traditional braces, adults who wore braces during their youth but notice that their teeth have started to shift, as well as those who needed their teeth straightened, but never received orthodontic care are all potential candidates for this innovative option.

Benefits of Teeth-Straightening with Invisalign

The Invisalign teeth-straightening process involves using a series of custom-designed clear trays that are changed out every two weeks. These trays gradually shift the patient’s teeth into the preferred locations.

11 Benefits of Invisalign include:

1. Instead of metal, the Invisalign trays consist of medical-grade polyurethane resin.
2. Since these trays are removable, patients enjoy more flexibility than they would with the traditional braces.
3. Typically, the trays a patient uses are custom-designed using three-dimensional digital scanning, eliminating the need to create a dental impression, which many patients find unpleasant.
4. Tooth correction is mapped out using a computerized process. This provides patients with a clearer vision as to what they can expect during treatment.
5. Since Invisalign’s trays consist of smooth plastic, this straightening option is more comfortable than traditional metal braces. With traditional braces, patients contend with sharp edges and wires that can poke the inside of the mouth. With Invisalign, patients receive custom trays made specifically for them, thus, eliminating the need for wires and sharp edges.
6. Invisible trays allow patients to inconspicuously straighten their teeth.
7. Invisalign is a time-saving option. When compared to traditional braces, Invisalign patients spend less time with their dental professional because they usually only need to visit their cosmetic dentist every six weeks.
8. Since Invisalign trays can be removed, brushing and flossing is easy. In addition, rinsing the trays or brushing them with a toothbrush helps to keep them free of buildup.
9. Whereas with traditional metal braces, there is always concern over the potential of a wire or bracket causing a mouth injury, Invisalign’s design reduces the likelihood of an injury occurring due to the teeth-straightening device. Therefore, Invisalign trays are a better option than traditional braces are for children and teens who participate in band and/or sports.
10. Since Invisalign trays are removable, food restrictions are eliminated. Patients can still eat their favorite foods with Invisalign.
11. The ability to remove Invisalign’s trays allows the patient to take better care of his or her teeth and gums.

At the end of treatment, patients enjoy beautifully straightened teeth.

Dr. Nicholas Polito, DDS, is an experienced cosmetic dentist at Dental Health and Beauty in Libertyville, Illinois. He has more than 25 years of experience enhancing patients’ smiles. He is also certified in Invisalign orthodontic care. Furthermore, Dr. Polito is proud to be one of the nine doctors in the state of Illinois that is certified by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

Invisalign offers patients comfort and convenience. If you are in the Libertyville, Illinois, area and you are considering Invisalign, contact Dental Health and Beauty today at 847.367.1133.

Dental Health and Beauty is located at 1109 West Park Avenue in Libertyville, Illinois.

If there is one thing kids seem adamantly opposed to, it is brushing their teeth. However, since you know getting your kids to brush their teeth regularly will result in excellent dental and perhaps overall health, it is an important part of the day that should never be overlooked. If you’ve been struggling with this challenge, here are some fun ways we guarantee will make your kids look forward to brushing their teeth.

Make it a Party

Since dentists recommend taking two minutes to brush one’s teeth, turn those two minutes with the toothbrush into a party. For example, for those two minutes twice per day, play your child’s favorite song and have you and your kids show off your best dance moves as they’re brushing. While you may embarrass your kids a bit with your dancing, before they know it they’ll be all done with brushing.

The Family that Brushes Together

Rather than simply telling your kids to go brush their teeth after a meal, why not join them at the bathroom sink? By making brushing a family affair, you not only set a good example for your kids, but also make it easier to establish a regular brushing routine. Before you know it, brushing will become second-nature for your kids.

Positive Reinforcement and Rewards

For some kids, simply having mom or dad give them a high-five or a hug after brushing will be incentive enough to make it a regular habit. If you like, you can offer some type of reward for brushing, such as allowing your kids to pick out their favorite bedtime story or let them decide what they want for breakfast the next morning.

Picking Out Their Toothbrush and Toothpaste

One of the best ways to get your kids to brush their teeth is to let them pick out their own toothbrush and toothpaste. While your dentist in Libertyville always recommends you adhere to ADA standards when doing so, today’s toothbrushes and toothpastes come in many different styles, colors, and even fun flavors.

To make sure your kids continue brushing regularly and maintain excellent dental health as they get older, be sure to contact your dentist in Libertyville as soon as possible to set up your child’s next dental appointment.

Dental veneers can give someone with a smile imperfections a new smile they can be proud to share with the world around them. However, many people neglect ever bringing up the topic with a cosmetic dentist. Here is a look at some of the more common misconceptions about dental veneers so you can make informed decisions about whether this is the right treatment for you.

Misconception: Veneers look fake compared to something like dental implants.

When you have veneers, they look just as natural as your natural teeth. Great measures are taken to ensure it. The dentist will help you make decisions about the tooth shade for your complexion, and the proper shape is created according to how you want your smile to look.

Misconception: Dental veneers cause a lot of problems with tooth sensitivity.

Dental veneers can actually deter issues with teeth sensitivity. For example, if there are issues with enamel erosion, this in itself can generate issues with dental sensitivity. However, veneers adhere to the surface of the tooth and thwart problems with sensitivity.

Misconception: Most dental veneers have to be replaced every year.

Dental veneers can last several years with proper care and attention. Most people see their veneers last for as long as five to ten years. It is rare for a veneer to crack or break unless someone is eating foods that are hard on the veneers.

Misconception: Dental veneers are made with materials no good for your body.

Dental veneers can be created out of a few different materials, but these materials are considered safe for use for the purpose and should pose no health concerns. Composite is a body-safe plastic and porcelain is a body-safe material as well. If you have specific concerns about materials, the dentist will discuss any of your concerns in detail before the procedure.

Contact Us About Dental Veneers in Libertyville, IL

If you want a faster solution to smile imperfections, dental veneers could be the ideal solution for you. Don’t let falsehoods and half-truths deter you from finding out if you are a good candidate for veneers. Reach out to us at Dental Health and Beauty Nicholas Polito DDS in Libertyville, IL for an appointment.