6317 Fairview Avenue, Suite B Westmont , IL 60559
(630) 852-5353
ORAL PIERCING
Our team of dental specialists and staff strive to improve the overall health of our patients by focusing on preventing, diagnosing and treating conditions associated with your teeth and gums. Please use our dental library to learn more about dental problems and treatments available. If you have questions or need to schedule an appointment, contact us
FLUORIDE
A SHIELD FOR YOUR TEETH
The main use of fluoride in the past has been to protect teeth during development and eruption, but research has now shown that fluoride helps protect erupted teeth in the battle against tooth decay. Here are just some of the benefits of fluoride for adults also.
- Are you currently taking medications that cause dry mouth? A decrease in saliva can increase the risk for decay. Fluoride treatments can help reduce the risk of decay.
- Have we discussed exposed root surfaces with you? Root surfaces are extremely susceptible to decay and decay can travel quickly through the root. Professional fluoride treatments help make roots stronger and resistant to decay.
- - Have you needed a restoration due to decay in the last year? A professional fluoride treatment 1-2 times a year can greatly reduce your risk of decay.
- Do you currently have any crowns or bridges in your mouth? Fluoride can help protect the margins of these restorations and potentially eliminate decay around the margins.
- Are you currently undergoing or going to receive head and neck radiation? Radiation damages salivary glands, which causes an extreme reduction in salivary flow. Saliva is an important component in the fight against tooth decay.
- Are you experiencing sensitivity? Fluoride can help reduce the pain and discomfort caused by exposed root surfaces.
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, you could greatly benefit from a professionally applied fluoride treatment. Ask Beki, Holly, Kate or Bobbi and they will be happy to answer any additional questions you may have!!
Oral piercing (usually on the tongue or around the lips) is one of the more disturbing fashion trends in recent years. Many people fail to realize that that even precautions taken during the installation of a piece of piercing jewelry are not enough to stave off harmful, long-term consequences such as cracked or chipped teeth, swelling, problems with swallowing and taste, and ugly scars. Add to this the possibility of choking on a piece of dislodged jewelry and one has to ask if the risks are warranted.
But the most serious long-term health problems from oral piercing come in the form of damage to the soft tissues such as the cheeks, gums and palate, as well as opportunistic infections. Any kind of body piercing may also put you at risk of contracting deadly infectious diseases such as HIV and hepatitis.
A common form of body piercing involves the tongue. Tongue piercings have been known to cause blocked airways (from a swollen tongue). In some cases, a tongue piercing will cause uncontrolled bleeding.
Some states actually regulate or ban oral piercing, so ensure that you are not breaking any laws.