How to Treat Infected Gums: A Guide to Healthier SmilesGum issues are incredibly common, affecting nearly half of adults at some point in their lives. If you’ve noticed red, swollen, or bleeding gums, you may be dealing with a gum infection, such as gingivitis or periodontitis. At Smile For Life Dental in Elgin, Dr. Dean Lodding provides advanced gum disease treatments to restore gum health and prevent complications. Identifying… Continue Reading
What Happens if I Stop Wearing My Retainers?Your retainers play a crucial role in keeping your teeth aligned after orthodontic treatment. When you stop wearing them, your teeth may gradually shift back to their original positions, a process known as relapse. This can lead to crowding, gaps, or other alignment issues, undoing the time and investment you put into achieving your ideal smile. Orthodontic compliance is key… Continue Reading
Are My Headaches Caused By Dental Problems?If you suffer from frequent headaches, you’re not alone. Approximately 45 million Americans visit their doctor complaining about head pain each year. That said, discerning the cause behind the discomfort can be difficult. Many patients are not aware that dental problems like misalignment, teeth grinding, or even a poorly positioned jaw can trigger persistent headaches. Below, our Elgin dentist, Dr…. Continue Reading
When Does a Broken Tooth Need to Be Replaced?A broken tooth can be a minor inconvenience or a significant dental issue, depending on the extent of the damage. Knowing when a broken tooth needs to be replaced is crucial for maintaining oral health. If a tooth is chipped or cracked but the root is intact, your dentist may repair it with a tooth-colored filling, crown, dental veneer, or… Continue Reading
Health Benefits of Orthodontic TreatmentOrthodontic treatments like Invisalign® are designed to straighten the teeth, but they can offer patients more than just a beautiful smile; improved tooth and bite alignment also entails several significant health benefits that can enhance overall well-being. Below, our Elgin dentist explores the ways in which orthodontics can help enhance health and quality of life. Firstly, properly aligned teeth are… Continue Reading
Health Benefits of Full Mouth Dental ImplantsFull mouth dental implants can be a transformative solution for rehabilitating a mouth that has suffered from significant tooth loss and dental damage. By surgically anchoring durable titanium posts to the jawbone that act as the “roots” and placing custom crowns on top as the restorative “teeth,” dental implants produce results that can mimic the form, function, and feel of… Continue Reading
Can a Damaged Tooth Be Saved?In the world of dental health, a damaged tooth doesn’t always spell doom for your smile. Advances in dental care have paved the way for numerous procedures that can save a compromised tooth—or, in the case that a tooth cannot be saved, replace it. Whether your teeth have been damaged due to decay, injury, or wear and tear, understanding your… Continue Reading
What To Expect With Your Gums When You’re ExpectingA lot of changes happen to the body during pregnancy—including changes to your mouth and oral health. You may begin to notice more bleeding and tenderness than normal. This is due to hormonal changes and a decrease in your immune system. When you are pregnant, your at-home oral hygiene efforts are even more important to help decrease bacterial plaque in… Continue Reading
Why Do My Gums Bleed When I Floss?ums that bleed while flossing can be due to a number of issues; however, if it is a common occurrence, it may likely be a sign of periodontal (gum) disease. To be sure, bleeding gums while flossing and performing daily oral hygiene routines could be caused by factors other than gum disease. These include a vitamin deficiency, a reaction to… Continue Reading