Chicago Dentist

# Dentist can provide expertise. Even when using do-it-yourself kits, you may still want to visit your dentist to determine why your teeth are discolored and which treatments will work and won’t. An appointment and evaluation could save you time and frustration in the future, as well as alert you to additional safety precautions.
# Tooth sensitivity and gum irritation. About half the people who try whitening products experience some degree of tooth sensitivity or gum irritation. If you experience discomfort, immediately try using lower concentration of peroxide (e.g. 6% instead of 10% or 20%). Usually side effects fade in a few days, but prolonging your exposure to too much peroxide could also prolong the side effects. If irritation persists, see a dentist.

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Fluoride is a naturally occurring element that strengthens teeth. In doing this, it can help to prevent tooth decay. Experts say the best way to prevent tooth decay is to use several sources of fluoride. Fluoride is found naturally in water sources in small amounts. Some foods, such as meat, fish, eggs and tea, contain fluoride. It also is added to water in some areas. Many toothpastes, rinses and professional treatments contain fluoride. Prescription fluoride tablets are available for children who do not get fluoride in their water.

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On the long list of cavity culprits, soda pop and sugary fruit juices rank high. Now public health officials are pointing the finger at bottled water.  By itself, water does not cause cavities. But a recent report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says bottled water has become so prevalent in children’s diets it often entirely replaces fluoridated tap water, leaving kids more vulnerable to cavities.  One-fourth of U.S. children between the ages of 2 and 5 have had decay in their baby teeth, and half of kids between 12 and 15 have had cavities, according to the CDC.  “Soda is worse. Let’s be clear about that. It has sugar and is carbonated, which creates acid that wears away the enamel,” says Dr. Jarvis Chan, an adjunct professor at the University of Texas Dental Branch at Houston. “But if you aren’t getting fluoride through water, you are missing out on decay-preventing benefits.”

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by Mary Jo King

Dental hygiene students from Elizabethtown Community and Technical College (ECTC) will be visiting local elementary schools to make presentations as part of the local observance of National Children’s Dental Health Month.

The annual observance of children’s dental health began as a one-day event in Cleveland, Ohio in 1941. During that year, Feb. 3-7 was designated as Children’s Dental Health Week in Akron, Ohio. Since 1941, National Children’s Dental Health Month has grown from a two-city event into a nationwide program.

ECTC dental hygiene students are currently providing preventive services at the campus on Wednesday and Friday. They will be seeing patients through April. ECTC students provide dental health services to the public which include exam, dental cleaning, radiographs (x-rays) and fluoride treatments. The clinic’s services are provided at reduced fees covering all treatments throughout the visit.

All procedures are provided by students under the supervision of registered dental hygienists and a supervising dentist. Patients should plan on visits taking additional time beyond what would be required at a regular dental office, as this is an educational setting with evaluation of procedures by instructors after each step.

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