Grove's Blog

Grove's Blog

Posts for category: Oral Health

July 26, 2012
Category: Oral Health
Tags: Pediatric  

At Grove Dental, we care for kids. We have an entire department dedicated to the oral health of children from infancy through the teen years.  Our specialists in pediatric dentistry have both the experience and qualifications to care for your child’s teeth and gums throughout the various stages of childhood.

We understand that kids are often apprehensive about going to the dentist, and our staff is dedicated to making it a positive experience for them by creating an inviting, fun atmosphere. Our welcoming reception room features a child’s play area, video games and kid-sized furniture, and our pediatric dentists use specially designed equipment that are arranged and decorated to appeal to children. By making visits enjoyable and relaxed, we can give kids a solid basis for a lifetime of healthy teeth.

To save you time, parents can be seen with their general dentist at the same time their child is being treated by the pediatric dentist. This is just one of many benefits of having multiple doctors and specialists in a single practice. Schedule all the kids’ cleanings at the same time, no need to come back – we can do it all at once.

We have specialists in pediatric dentistry at all four office locations -- Wheaton, Downers Grove, Bolingbrook and Lombard. Because of our long-standing reputation for providing quality, gentle dentistry for kids, many of our patients are referred to us by local pediatricians. Click on a doctor’s name below to learn more. Our greatest compliments come from our patients and professional referrals.

  • Bob C. Stone, DDS, MS
  • Mark D. Cabana, DDS
  • Mina H. Chung, DDS, MS
  • Diana K. Lee, DDS
  • Nicholas C. Woodward, DDS

Our pediatric dentists will work with you and your child toestablish a good oral hygiene regimen. We also provide children with the necessary knowledge and treatment to promote healthy smiles and positive dental experiences into adulthood.

Summer is a great time to get children in for those mandatory dental check ups. Schedule your kids’ back-to-school exams today!

0 Comment(s) Permalink
July 23, 2012
Category: Oral Health
Tags: Pediatric   Kids   Dental Injuries  

For kids, summertime means outdoor fun and activities, such as biking, roller skating, swimming and sports. Kids will be kids when enjoying summer activities. Unfortunately, warm summer weather can also mean injuries to the teeth and mouth.  

Make sure you’re prepared to take action immediately should your child suffer a dental injury. Keep the following tips in a prominent place to reference quickly in the event of a dental emergency.

Tips from Grove Dental Pediatric Dentists for handling your child’s dental emergency:

  • If your child’s tooth is dislodged and it is a permanent tooth, locate the tooth and rinse it gently with water. If possible, place the tooth back in the child’s socket. If you can’t reinsert the tooth, place it in a container of milk or water.  Call Grove Dental right away for further instructions.
  • If your child chips or fractures a tooth, experiences facial swelling or pain, or breaks his braces or oral appliance, call the Pediatric Department at Grove Dental.
  • Keep Grove Dental’s number on hand so that you are always prepared if your child sustains an oral injury. Grove Dental:  Bolingbrook 630-759-8940, Downers Grove 630-969-5350, Lombard 630-627-4680, Wheaton 630-653-8899

Take extra precaution and teach your kids the importance of safe outdoor fun. This should include how to play safely on playground equipment, why kids should not run at the pool, and what it means to play nicely with other children to avoid injuries.

One highly effective way to prevent injuries to the mouth caused by sports and other physical activities is with a mouthguard. At Grove, we offer custom-fitted mouthpieces for kids that help protect the teeth and gums from rough play, hard falls and contact sports.  Mouthguards should not only be worn for organized sports, such as football, basketball and soccer; they are also recommended and helpful for bicycling, roller blading and skateboarding as well. Mouthguards have been shown to significantly reduce trauma to the teeth, gums and surrounding jaw bone.

Remember, many dental injures require immediate attention. Always call Grove Dental’s Pediatric Department for further instructions. We’re open six days a week and are here to take care of you and your children! 

0 Comment(s) Permalink
May 04, 2012
Category: Oral Health
Tags: Pediatric   Kids   Back to School  

One would think that once school let out for the summertime, you and your family could finally take a break from the hustle and bustle of the school year.  But as many parents know, that couldn’t be further from the truth, and in many cases, the summer months are just as jam-packed with activities and events as the regular school year.

Vacations and baseball games may have your calendar full, but don’t forget to make time for those important routine appointments, including your child’s back-to-school dental exam.  Not only are these check ups an important part of keeping your kid’s teeth healthy and strong, it’s also the law!

Illinois requires all school-aged children in grades K, 2nd and 6th to have a back-to-school exam. For your convenience, Grove can complete these school exams at the same appointment as a dental cleaning.  Mark two things off of your summer to-do list by scheduling a routine cleaning and mandatory school exam now!

Visiting the dentist isn’t the only way to keep kids’ teeth healthy.
These tips can help you guide your child toward better oral hygiene this summer:

  • Encourage your child to brush his or her teeth at least twice a day with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.
  • Children should floss at least once a day.
  • Promote a nutritious diet with healthy snack foods such as fresh fruit, veggies, and cheeses.
  • Limit high-carbohydrate foods and sugary snacks and drinks that cause tooth decay.
  • If your child participates in sports and other recreational activities, make sure they always wear a protective mouthguard.

Appointments fill up fast, so beat the August rush and call to make your child’s back-to-school appointment today.

 

0 Comment(s) Permalink
May 02, 2012
Category: Oral Health
Tags: Fluoride  

Maintaining healthy teeth requires more than daily brushing and flossing. In fact, don’t be surprised if at your next dental check-up your dentist asks you about your fluoride intake or your water supply. That’s because fluoride, a substance found naturally in drinking water, plays a critical role in healthy tooth development and cavity prevention.

Fluoride benefits children and adults.  It helps prevent and reverse the early signs of tooth decay by protecting teeth from erosion and strengthening the enamel.  Fluoride may be ingested from the food and water we eat and drink, or applied topically through toothpastes and mouth rinses containing fluoride. 

How much fluoride you need should be discussed with your dentist, but generally, children under 6 get the right amount of fluoride through a combination of fluoridated toothpaste and fluoridated water. So, how do you know whether or not your tap water is fluoridated? Fluoridation levels in water differ from place to place. If you are unsure, contact your local water district to find out. 

When used appropriately, fluoride is safe and effective. But parents should be aware that too much fluoride before 8 years of age (a critical period when teeth are developing) could cause enamel fluorosis, discoloration of permanent teeth.Carefully supervise your children when they use any product containing fluoride, and keep fluoride out of reach of very young children.

If you have any questions about your water's fluoride content, the fluoridated products your child uses, or whether your child is receiving too much or too little fluoride, talk to your dentist. Grove Dental has experienced pediatric dentists on staff at all four office locations, dedicated exclusively to treating little mouths.

0 Comment(s) Permalink
March 16, 2012
Category: Oral Health

You know the routine: brush twice a day, floss daily and visit your dentist regularly to keep teeth healthy and strong.  Most of us have had these oral health habits instilled in us since we were young, and now they’ve become a normal part of our daily routines.  Good dental hygiene is a vital part of protecting teeth from harmful plaque and gum disease, while maintaining your best looking smile.

Apart from good dental hygiene, your diet and physical well-being can also play a major role in the health of your teeth and gums.  Good nutrition and exercise can keep your body healthy and reduce or eliminate stress, which will help resolve issues with teeth grinding, gum disease and other dental problems.   When teeth and gums are healthy, your entire body benefits, and your efforts may even help ward off serious systemic diseases like heart disease, diabetes and stroke which have been linked to gum disease.

Healthy Foods, Healthy Mouth

Your food choices also have a big impact on the health of your smile.  Eat a well-balanced diet that is low in sugar, as sugary and starchy foods are the biggest culprits in cavities and decay.  Avoid overeating, which can cause indigestion and acid reflux that can damage teeth and gums.  Instead of drinking soda, which is highly acidic, replace it with water.  If cutting out junk food is hard, then be sure to rinse and brush your teeth whenever you’ve strayed from a healthy food choice. Store a toothbrush or floss at the office or in your car so you are always prepared.

Combine your healthy eating habits with regular exercise for good heart health, circulation and reduced stress.  All of these positive lifestyle habits will be reflected in your dental health.

Bottom line: It pays off to maintain a lifestyle of good nutrition and exercise. Your oral health and general health go hand in hand, and a combination of good oral hygiene, regular visits to your dentist, proper nutrition and an exercise regimen will be evident in the way your whole body looks and feels, including your smile!

0 Comment(s) Permalink


Dental Services

Archive:

Tags

Dentist - Downers Grove, Grove Dental Associates, 6800 Main Street, Third Floor, Downers Grove IL, 60516 (630) 969-5350