“Why Do My Teeth Look Serrated?” and Other Cosmetic Questions About Your Smile

Your smile is so much a part of who you are and how you feel, and even the smallest issues can seem like a big deal when you open your mouth. When it comes down to it, there are a lot of small cosmetic dental issues that cause a lot of concern, but most people have no idea how easy most issues are to mend with the help of a good cosmetic dentist. Here is a look at a few of the most common questions about small cosmetic issues with teeth.

Why Do My Teeth Look Serrated?

It is actually quite common for permanent teeth to have a small amount of serration. These tiny points are meant to help you grasp and rip through your food, but most of the time, the serrations are so minimal that they are barely noticeable. If you have front teeth that are especially serrated, it can make you a bit self-conscious about your smile, but the issue is relatively easy to fix. The dentist can actually use special tools to shave down the tiny points so they are not as noticeable.

Why Do My Teeth Look Grey or Yellow No Matter How Clean They Are?

You can brush your teeth religiously, floss, and even attend your dental hygiene appointments and still have issues with the shade of your teeth. The natural shades of teeth can vary due to a lot of reasons, including genetics. For people who have this issue, something like veneers can be a good solution.

Why Do My Teeth Have a Ridged Appearance Along the Surface?

Much like some teeth can have serrated edges, some teeth can also have a sort-of ridged surface. These ridges are referred to as mamelons, and they naturally show up in newly grown permanent teeth. While mamelons often wear down over time, some individuals have ridges that are more prominent and easy to see. If this is you, the dentist can perform cosmetic procedures to soften the ridges and make them less visible.

Contact Us to Discuss Cosmetic Dentistry in Libertyville, IL

Make sure you are happy enough with your smile that you can share it confidently with everyone. Reach out to us at Dental Health and Beauty Nicholas Polito, DDS in Libertyville, IL to schedule an appointment for a cosmetic consultation to determine what we can do to help you with your smile.

4 Reasons to Get Your Teeth Cleaned

If you’re like many busy people, you often put off having your teeth professionally cleaned because it seems like just one more thing to try to cram into an active schedule. However, having your teeth cleaned on a regular basis has a variety of benefits and has the potential to save you significant amounts of time and money in the long run. Most dentists recommend that you have professional teeth cleaning once every six months. The following are just four of the many benefits of having your teeth professionally cleaned.

Your Smile Will Be Brighter

Your teeth will be noticeably whiter and brighter after a professional cleaning session. An appealing smile increases confidence and self-esteem, helping you thrive in both work and social settings.

Your Dentist Will Be Able to Spot Any Emerging Issues

Many oral health issues can be kept in check or even reversed if they are discovered in the initial stages. Gingivitis, for instance, is the first stage of gum disease. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontal disease, which involves possible loss of teeth and damage to the cardiovascular system as well as time-consuming, costly treatments. Your dentist will also notice any developing cavities and treat them while they are still in the emergent stage rather than waiting until they grow large enough to start causing toothache pain and forming abscesses.

You’ll Have Less Bacterial Buildup on Your Teeth

Plaque is a buildup of bacteria that develops on the surface of the teeth. Although good oral hygiene at home can help reduce plaque, it doesn’t remove all of it. Over time, plaque buildup can lead to a variety of oral health issues, such as tooth decay and gum disease.

Your Breath Will Be Fresher

Bacterial buildup is also a major cause of bad breath. Even if you floss and brush on a regular basis and use breath mints, you still may have bad breath due to bacteria present in the mouth.

Think of professional teeth cleaning session as deep cleaning for your mouth. Please feel free to reach out to us at your convenience to schedule teeth cleaning session or dental examination with a member of our skilled staff.

What Type of Tooth Whitening Treatment is Best for You?

If you’re like many people, you often feel that your smile could use a bit of brightening up but aren’t sure what procedures exist and which ones might be right for you. Fortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to teeth whitening, and what works best for you might not be the best option for the next patient. The only way to know which approach is the best one for you is to have a consultation with your dentist, but you can get the most out of the conversation if you have some knowledge of the possibilities. Here’s what you need to know about teeth whitening options.

Specialty Toothpaste

If your teeth have mild surface stains, a specialty toothpaste may be just what you need to bring back its former brightness. These work in the same manner that your regular toothpaste does, and most people begin to see noticeable results within two or three days, but keep in mind that it may take several weeks for others to notice a difference. Keep in mind that surface stains are generally caused by things such as tobacco use and foods and beverages that create stains, such as coffee, tea, wine, juice, and dark berries such as blueberries and blackberries, so if you continue to do these things after you begin using a whitening toothpaste, the results will be fleeting.

Make sure that any specialty toothpaste you use is approved by the American Dental Association. For best results, ask your dentist for recommendations.

Gels and Strips

Gels and strips may be an option for those who need more than whitening toothpaste. These are generally over-the-counter products that contain hydrogen peroxide. Although they provide faster results than specialty toothpaste, they may not be the best option for those with sensitive teeth. Check with your dentist before using these, and do a spot test before applying either gels or strips to multiple teeth at once.

Chairside Bleaching

Chairside bleaching is the most effective way to get white teeth quickly. As its name implies, it’s performed in your dentist’s office. The treatment takes between 30 and 60 minutes, patients sometimes find they require multiple treatments to get the effect they want.

Please feel free to contact us to schedule an appointment or if you have any questions on how you can make the most of your smile.

What Causes Cavities to Form?

The bacteria that live in the plaque on the teeth is responsible for the formation of cavities. This is why, if proper dental care is neglected, cavities may result.

What Causes Cavities to Form?

Poor dental hygiene leads to a buildup of plaque, which is a sticky film that adheres to the teeth. This accumulation of plaque often results in tooth decay (aka cavities). The bacteria in the mouth stick to the plaque and begin breaking down the food particles and the sugar left behind. The bacteria release acid, which attacks the enamel, slowly destroying the teeth.

Who Is At Greatest Risk for Developing Cavities?

Cavities are predominant in young children because the enamel on primary teeth is more sensitive than that on the permanent teeth. Sweet foods and sugary drinks can easily damage primary teeth. Furthermore, children, especially those who are younger, are more likely to be challenged with performing proper dental hygiene.

Although permanent teeth are stronger than baby teeth, they are rather sensitive when they first grow in. Enamel that has just broken through the gums has not fully hardened, making it more prone to decay.

How Can I Find Out If I Have a Cavity?

Even if there are no visible signs of a cavity or pain being experienced, dentists train for years to learn how to find tooth decay. The dentist visually examines the teeth. In addition, X-rays can be taken to determine how deep a cavity is.

What Does a Cavity Look like?

The first visible sign of decay is a white or brown spot on the surface of the affected tooth. If this decay is left untreated, small holes will develop in the tooth.

What Are the Symptoms of a Cavity?

Once the nerve root of the decaying tooth is exposed, the pain begins. At this point, the consumption of hot, cold, sweet and/or acidic food, and drink can lead to tooth pain.

How Are Cavities Treated?

To fix a cavity, the dentist removes the decayed tooth matter and then fills the empty space with a synthetic material or precious metal.

If the nerve root is damaged, a root canal with a crown may be suggested, however, there are times when the tooth needs to be pulled. The missing tooth can be replaced with a flipper, a bridge or a dental implant.

How Can I Prevent Cavity Formation?

Implementing a daily routine of brushing, flossing and using an antiseptic mouthwash will reduce the number of acid-creating bacteria. In addition, dental hygiene experts recommend visiting a dentist at least twice a year for a dental exam and professional cleaning.

Dr. Nicholas Polito offers cosmetic and general dentistry services. He is also certified in Invisalign treatment. Dr. Polito’s caring demeanor and love of dentistry make him one of the top dental providers in and around Libertyville, Illinois. His office address is 1109 West Park Avenue, Libertyville, Illinois. To schedule an appointment, call (847) 367-1133.

Are You a Good Candidate for Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are thin overlays made of porcelain that get bonded to the front of your teeth to give them a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. Veneers have the capability to completely transform a smile by covering small imperfections and giving the tooth a better shape and appearance. Therefore, many people are interested in this cosmetic dental procedure. Find out what patients are the best candidates for porcelain veneers and why.

Your teeth have a fair amount of enamel to work with.

If you have teeth that are already starting to decay and a lot of the enamel is wearing away, you may not be the best candidate for porcelain veneers. The veneers have to be bonded to the tooth enamel, and the enamel has to be slightly sanded down to make room for the veneers. Lack of enamel can sometimes mean the veneers will not adhere properly.

You do not have signs of gum disease.

It is important for someone who is getting dental veneers to have generally healthy gum tissue, even though this is not something that most patients know. If you have issues with something like gingivitis, it can cause a faster breakdown of your teeth, which means veneers can also be at risk. Your dentist will work with you to get your mouth to a healthy state before installing the veneers, so just because you have gum health issues may not always mean you absolutely cannot have the procedure performed.

You have smile imperfections that cannot be fixed with other methods.

Maybe you have stains or severely discolored teeth, cracks in some teeth that are visible even after repair, or teeth that are misshapen or worn down. Veneers are a good option for you if you have imperfections that you can’t otherwise cover or fix with the help of your dentist. For example, if you have undergone professional whitening and still have unsightly stains, porcelain veneers may be a good option for you.

Talk to Us About Dental Veneers in Libertyville, IL

Dental veneers can totally transform your smile. A professional cosmetic dentist will work to make sure you are a good candidate for the procedure. If you are interested in dental veneers, contact us at Dental Health and Beauty Nicholas Polito DDS.

Scaling and Root Planing: Common Patient FAQs

The dentist determines that your oral health could benefit from something called scaling and root planing, but this is a dental procedure you’ve never heard of before. Scaling and root planing is a common dental procedure that is done for specific reasons to benefit your oral health. Take a look at some of the common questions patients facing this procedure tend to have.

Is scaling a root planing a painful procedure?

The procedure itself is not painful during the process. The dentist will use a numbing agent given with injections to numb the areas being treated. After the work is done, you can expect some pain and tenderness. The dentist may prescribe something to take for pain, but you can typically feel better just by taking over-the-counter pain relievers.

What are the advantages of scaling and root planing?

Once the procedure is done and your mouth heals, you will see far less sensitivity in your gums. Gums that have had issues with swelling and inflammation will usually return to a normal state. Gums that have pulled away and created small pockets where plaque can collect will slowly return to normal for most patients.

When is scaling and root planing a necessary procedure?

Scaling and root planing is most often done on patients who have periodontal disease or who are at risk of periodontal disease. The procedure can also be done for other reasons or if there is simply an excessive amount of plaque buildup below the gum line.

What foods should you avoid after scaling and root planing?

After the procedure is complete, the dentist will likely advise you of foods to avoid. Some foods can interfere with the healing process, such as acidic foods or really crunchy foods that may brush against your gums. In general, it is good to stick with foods that are low-acid and softer textures for a few days.

Contact Us About Scaling and Root Planing in Libertyville, IL

With the attention of a good dentist, scaling and root planing is the type of procedure that can change the health of your mouth for the better. Contact us at the office of Dr. Nick Polito DDS for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Common Myths and Misconceptions About Dentures

According to the American Academy of Prosthodontics, about 23 people in the United States have no teeth at all, and 90 percent of those people do have dentures. For many years, dentures have been the go-to solution for people with no teeth, but there are also a lot of myths about dentures that prevent people who could benefit from dentures from actually getting them.

Myth: Dentures always look fake.

If someone has dentures that look fake, they have a low-quality set of dentures. You can go to those cheap denture places and get dentures made in a hurry for a low cost, but the best dentures are made taking several steps in the process. For example, when you get high-quality dentures, the dentist will:

Myth: Dentures stain a lot easier than natural teeth.

On the contrary, dentures do not stain as easily as natural teeth. The teeth that dentures have are made out of a composite or resin material that has a sealant on it to thwart problems with stains. You can also prevent stains by brushing your dentures regularly, soaking them in a cleaning solution when you are not wearing them, and avoiding drinking or eating things that are likely to stain, such as coffee or soft drinks.

Myth: Dentures always move around in your mouth.

When dentures are made correctly, they will not shift around or move in your mouth when you speak or chew. Dentures should be made in a way that they almost adhere via suction to the top of your mouth. More people have issues with lower-arch dentures than they do upper arches. Nevertheless, most people can have success with a lower arch if they are made by a true professional.

Work with Dental Health and Beauty and Dr. Nicholas Polito DDS for New Dentures

When dentures are made by a team of skilled professionals, they can be a perfectly apt way to regain your smile. Reach out to us at Dental Health and Beauty and Dr. Nicholas Polito DDS in Libertyville, IL to schedule an appointment.

How Your Dental Health Affects Your Overall Life

Dental health plays an integral role in your overall quality of life. Like many things you may not even realize how important your dental health is until something goes wrong. At that point, it becomes very clear all the ways that dental health affects your life.

Heart Health

Did you know that problems in your teeth and gums can cause heart problems? When bacteria in your mouth are allowed to propagate, that bacteria may be able to enter your bloodstream. Since all your blood eventually makes its way through your heart, cardiac health problems may arise. Surprisingly, if you have heart health reasons, it’s possible that dental health problems may be a contributing factor.

Social Success

If you have dental health issues with your teeth and gums, chances are high that you have bad breath fairly often. If this is the case, others around you may have noticed this issue. Unless it’s someone that you’re very close to, they may be hesitant about letting you know. On the flip side, if you’re aware of your bad breath issues, you may actually be less inclined to be socially active. You may feel like others will notice your bad breath and form a negative opinion about you.

Professional Success

Studies have repeatedly shown that those who smile often are more likely to be liked by others, trusted by colleagues and admired by peers. If you desire professional success, you should know that your dental health is a big factor. If you have stained, crooked or just bad looking teeth, you may avoid smiling as much as possible. This can lead to you missing out on job opportunities or improving your standing in your professional community.

As you can see, your dental health definitely impacts the other facets of your life. If you suffer from any of the circumstances mentioned above, you owe it to yourself to get the dental health attention you deserve. For more information about treatment options for bad breath, stained teeth, crooked teeth and other conditions, please contact our office today.

3 Ways Your Dental Health Affects Your Confidence

Having crooked teeth, stained teeth, missing teeth or misaligned teeth is a surefire way to lower your confidence. For one thing, it makes you feel like you aren’t someone who practices good dental hygiene. If you’re in a relationship or dating, poor dental health can make you apprehensive about kissing someone. Dental health affects your confidence in many ways. That’s why it’s important that you have good teeth and healthy gums; because they play a big role in boosting your confidence.

1. A Subconscious Sign Of Health

Having good, attractive looking teeth is a subconscious sign of health and vitality. When you look in the mirror and see less than healthy teeth and gums, you don’t feel healthy. You know that your teeth and gums need professional attention. You may also be acutely aware that others may see you as less than healthy, too. This subconscious knowledge makes you feel less confident to go out in the world and do the things you enjoy.

2. Self-Conscious Near People

If you have bad teeth it will affect whether you feel comfortable talking near people. If you have a severe cavity or gum disease then very foul odors can emit from the mouth. You may fear that your bad breath, caused by mouth bacteria, might reach them. This can make you withdraw from people, which is not healthy for your social well-being.

3. Reluctance to Smile

When your teeth and gums are unattractive, you may be reluctant to smile. Smiling is a socially accepted way to indicate friendliness and confidence. When you fail to smile, people may get the impression that you are unfriendly or don’t want to get to know them. In turn, they will turn away from you and seek someone who appears more friendly. This turning away impacts your self-confidence and makes you feel that others don’t like you. In reality, others are simply picking up cues from you.

Finally, having clean, healthy teeth and gums in general just makes you feel good and refreshed. You’re more likely to smile easily and seek social interaction with others. As you can see, taking care of your teeth and gums goes far beyond physical health. It also impacts your emotional health.

Keeping Your Smile as Healthy and Beauitful as Possible — Four Things You Need to Know

If you’re like most people who’ve been blessed with a naturally beautiful smile, you don’t give it much thought until something happens to take its sparkle away. However, preventive measures exist designed to keep your teeth looking as good as possible. The following are just four things you can incorporate into your routine to help ensure that your smile continues to dazzle.

Wear Mouth Protection When Engaging in Physical Activities

Nothing ruins a smile more quickly than a tooth or teeth that have been knocked out or chipped. Wearing mouthguards while playing sports is a good way to keep this from happening, but keep in mind that wearing mouth protection is a good idea when engaging in physical activity that doesn’t fall under the technical definition of sports. If you use a bike to commute to and from work, for instance, wearing a mouth guard keeps your smile safe in the event of an accident.

Practice Good Oral Hygiene

This one should be a no-brainer, but you might be amazed to know how many people decide to skip brushing and flossing at the end of the day because they’re tired. Unfortunately, bacteria and plaque build-up overnight, so it’s never a good idea to skip your oral hygiene routine even if you’re absolutely exhausted. Scheduling brushing and flossing for sooner in the evening helps circumvent this, and keep in mind that if you’re too tired to brush and floss before bed, you’re probably not getting enough sleep.

Guard Against Staining

Many people can’t bear the thought of giving up their favorite foods and beverages in order to keep their teeth as white as possible, but there are things you can do to help prevent your teeth from developing stains. Drinking beverages through a straw, for instance, helps limit their contact with your teeth. If it isn’t possible to brush your teeth after eating or drinking items that cause staining, swish your mouth out thoroughly with clean water.

See Your Dentist Every Six Months

Scheduling an appointment for a dental checkup and cleaning every six months ensures that your dentist can identify issues that might affect your smile while they’re still in the early, highly treatable stages. Please feel free to contact us for more information on maintaining a healthy and gorgeous smile.