Maintain Optimal Oral Health in Batavia, IL

A primary reason to schedule regular visits to the dentist is prevention. Long-term, you can save time and money with an exam and teeth cleaning rather than opting for a crown, veneer, or root canal.

It’s a lot easier for a dentist to notice any problems with your oral health during dental examinations or professional cleanings. Your dentist will usually check for signs of dental problems like tooth decay or gum disease.

If dental problems are detected early enough, they are easier to treat.

Left untreated, dental problems like tooth decay lead to severe damage to gums, teeth, and bones. Over time, they may result in pain, infection, tooth loss, and complicating other chronic health problems. 

Regular dental exams and cleanings are crucial in managing current oral conditions.

During a dental exam, your dentist removes tartar and plaque from the teeth, contributing to a brighter smile. They’ll also eliminate bacteria build-up, decreasing any risk of cavities or gum disease.

Tooth decay, commonly known as cavities, is the most common dental issue patients see a dentist for. It occurs when bacteria form a film on the surface of the teeth, called plaque. The bacteria produce acids that permanently damage the enamel and the outer layer of the tooth, and then damage the softer dentin layer beneath.

This can lead to cavities or holes in your teeth. You may also experience toothaches from eating or drinking hot, cold, or sweet.

Some of the symptoms of tooth decay include:

• Bad taste in your mouth
• Brown or black spots on your teeth
• Bad smelling breath

Brushing and flossing twice a day is key to preventing tooth decay. It’s also recommended getting regular checkups from your dentist, which we can help with.

An early stage of periodontal, or gum disease, is gingivitis, an infection caused by plaque build-up. Common symptoms include gums that are swollen, red, and bleed easily. 

Left untreated, gingivitis can develop into periodontal disease. At this stage, the gums that support and surround your teeth are infected and cause damage to the bone and tissue holding the teeth.

In addition to the bad taste in your mouth, other symptoms of periodontal disease include:

• Consistent bad breath
• A change in bite
• Permanent teeth that feel loose
• A shrinking gum line

Nasty or foul-smelling breath is among the most common dental problems experienced by patients. This can be caused by many different factors, like:

• Dry mouth
• Acid reflux
• Infection
• Medication
• Poor oral hygiene
• Cancer

Foods like garlic and onions are also common causes of bad breath. However, bad breath may be a symptom of another dental issue. Your dentist will conduct an assessment and determine which action best suits you.

As the enamel on your teeth is worn away and the dentin is exposed, your teeth may become more sensitive to hot and cold foods and drinks. The dentin in your teeth has nerves that travel deeper inside of the tooth, which can cause intense pain if exposed.

A common cause of sensitive teeth, known as tooth sensitivity, is tooth decay. Other causes are:

• Shrinking gums
• Gum disease
• A root infection
• Worn fillings or crowns
• Eroded enamel
• A broken or cracked tooth

You may also have sensitive teeth due to a naturally thin layer of enamel. Your dentist will recommend treatment depending on your particular case.