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.

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.

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.

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.