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Oral health complications of common eating disorders

Posted By Dr. Dean Dietrich

Surely, you’ve heard that “you are what you eat.” While this may not literally be true, your dietary habits do have a profound effect, for good or bad, on your entire body including your teeth. You are probably aware that excess sugar consumption can lead to cavities, especially when coupled with lax oral hygiene. However, you may not know that frequent vomiting, poor nutrition, and consumption of certain high-acid diet foods can also be harmful to your oral health. Coping with eating disorders Many people find it challenging to achieve and maintain a healthy weight, especially when confronted with store … Continue reading

Understanding the dental causes of headaches in Illinois

Posted By Dr. Dean Dietrich

Middle age woman tightening skin on face with hand

Headaches are one of the most common nervous system disorders. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 50 percent of all adults have experienced one or more headaches within the last 12 months. In reality, the number may be much higher, as headaches are traditionally underestimated and frequently undiagnosed. Many people simply suffer in silence, and do not seek medical attention unless the pain becomes debilitating – and even then, they don’t always find relief. There are several types of headaches, with various causes making misdiagnosis a common problem. You may not expect to find relief at a dentist’s … Continue reading

Common causes for toothaches in Dolton

Posted By Dr. Dean Dietrich

Happy young woman in sunhat over summer beach

Toothaches are among the most common dental complaints, and they have a wide variety of potential causes. They include: Cavities – Large or deep cavities can expose the nerve inside of the tooth, causing extreme sensitivity or toothaches. Damaged dental pulp – The soft tissues, including nerves, in the center of a tooth are known as dental pulp. If it becomes injured or infected, it can lead to pain, sensitivity, abscesses, and other problems. Fractured or broken tooth – If you break a tooth, you probably expect it to hurt. However, you may not know that hairline fractures, even those … Continue reading

Bad breath: Causes and treatment options in Dolton, Illinois

Posted By Dr. Dean Dietrich

Dentist with x-ray on tablet pc and girl patient

Halitosis, more commonly known as bad breath, is a common and embarrassing problem. Virtually everyone experiences bad breath on occasion, especially following a spicy meal. However, chronic or frequent bad breath can be a sign of a more serious oral health problem. Causes of bad breath Why does your breath smell foul? There are several possible answers, including: Gum disease – You might not expect an infection in your gums to affect your breath, but bacteria emit a foul odor. For the same reason, any infected wound or other bacterial accumulation can cause chronic bad breath. Food – This is … Continue reading

Bleeding gums: Causes and treatment options in Dolton, IL

Posted By Dr. Dean Dietrich

A young Dentist treating a female Patient in a dental practice

When you brush your teeth, do you see blood in the sink? This may seem normal, especially if it is a small amount, but it is actually a sign of trouble. If you are brushing and flossing correctly, healthy gums should not bleed. It is advisable to see your dentist for a periodontal evaluation. Causes of bleeding gums Several factors can cause your gums to bleed easily, including: Periodontal disease (most likely cause) Sores on the gum tissue Poorly fitting dentures Blood thinning medications Vitamin deficiencies Aggressive brushing, especially with a hard-bristled toothbrush Medical problems such as bleeding disorders, diabetes, … Continue reading

Dolton dentist explains how eating disorders can impact a patient’s dental health

Posted By Dr. Dean Dietrich

Eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia have serious implications on a person’s wellness and their oral health. Unfortunately millions of people across the United States are battling eating disorders. Whether triggered by the desire to be thinner or by other stress factors, eating disorders can be hard for patients and their families and friends to diagnose, treat, or provide support to. Bulimia is an eating disorder in which patients binge eat and then cause themselves to vomit while patients with anorexia cause themselves to enter a state of starvation through not eating. Both types of eating disorders prevent the … Continue reading

Caring for primary teeth helps ensure a happy permanent smile in Illinois

Posted By Dr. Dean Dietrich

Teeth are a critical part of the body. From the time a “baby tooth” erupts, parents must consider oral health care as an important part of the child’s overall health. While the primary teeth will fall out during a child’s elementary school years, they are still important to a child’s health and development. The primary teeth help a child chew, eat, and receive proper nutrition, they help kids learn to speak clearly, they boost self-esteem with a beautiful smile, and they provide a place for the permanent teeth to erupt. That’s why even primary teeth require a great deal of … Continue reading

How to prevent and treat early childhood cavities in IL

Posted By Dr. Dean Dietrich

Women with open mouth during oral checkup at the dentist

“Do I really need to brush my child’s tooth? He only has one.” “Should I allow my kids to have the lollipops that the tellers at the bank give to them?” “How can I help my first grader learn to floss her own teeth?” Parents of young children have plenty of questions about oral health care. They certainly want to prevent cavities, but aren’t sure of the best approach. Dr. Dean Dietrich of Pleasant Dental has been helping parents in the Dolton, Riverdale and Chicago, IL areas learn what they need to know about proper oral health care for children. … Continue reading

How to treat recurring mouth ulcers in IL

Posted By Dr. Dean Dietrich

Dentist waiting to be checked up with the woman

Mouth ulcers, canker sores, cold sores. The words are often used interchangeably to describe the painful lesions on the inside of the mouth or on the lips. They can range in severity from uncomfortable to annoying to downright painful. Often certain foods or beverages or teeth brushing can exacerbate the pain. While mouth ulcers are typically harmless and clear up without medical or dental intervention, patients often look for ways to get rid of them faster or to prevent them in the first place. No one knows for sure what causes most mouth ulcers and every patient can have different … Continue reading

Keeping your mouth free from dental plaque and tartar in Illinois

Posted By Dr. Dean Dietrich

When talking about oral health care, the words “plaque” and “tartar” often come up. In fact, they’re often used almost interchangeably. However, they are actually different things. Plaque is a tacky and colorless deposit of bacteria on the tooth. Produced from saliva, food particles, and fluids, plaque is always on the teeth. Brushing removes it for several hours but eventually it begins to come back. When plaque remains on the teeth, it causes discoloration and the beginning stages of gum disease. Tartar is a crusty deposit, unlike the sticky formulation of plaque. While it also causes staining and discoloration, it … Continue reading