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Chances are we’ve all had canker sores (or to get technical, aphthous stomatitis). These annoyances present as painful sores inside the mouth, including the tongue, soft palate and inside of the cheek. You may notice a tingling or burning sensation just prior to their development, and once there you’ll notice round white or gray lesions with a bright red border. Severe cases may even result in fever, physical lethargy and swollen lymph nodes – basically all the classic signs your body is fighting something more substantial. Important to note: canker sores will NOT appear on the outside of your mouth – these are most likely cold sores. Unlike canker sores , cold sores are extremely contagious and caused by a viral infection , so if you think that may be the issue, consult your physician immediately. The Cause of Canker Sores Sadly no one knows for sure - it’s a mystery for the ages, this one. Factors that may exacerbate canker sores or increase their frequency include stress, smoking, or injury to the tissue. Certain foods – especially acidic foods like citrus fruits, figs and tomatoes – may also be triggers. More complex cases of canker sores are thought to be linked to underlying health issues, such as nutritional deficiencies, an impaired immune system, and gastrointestinal diseases like Celiac’s or Crohn’s. Studies have been published by the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venerology and Journal of Oral Pathology & Medicine that have linked low levels of vitamin B12, folate and iron to the incidence of canker sores, though these proved a correlation more than an explicit cause and effect. The Cure For Canker Sores In Chicago IL As you might have guessed, it’s hard to pinpoint a cure for something that doesn’t have a definite cause. Thankfully, these little pests usually clear up sans aid within a week, and the pain subsides after a few days. For larger, more persistent sores, your dentist can prescribe an antimicrobial mouth rinse, corticosteroid ointment or other medication to lessen the symptoms. Our office has had particularly good luck using Debacterol®, a topical liquid agent designed specifically for the controlled debridement of such ulcerating lesions. It can be applied in office or written as a prescription for home use. Many pharmacies aren’t great at keeping Debacterol® in stock, so your dental office may be the best source for this remedy. Some tricks that are thought to help lessen their duration and/or prevent their occurrence: Avoid irritating foods – citrus, acidic vegetables, spicy foods Avoid irritation caused by gum chewing Eat foods high in vitamin B12, folate, iron (most meats, dairy products, leafy green vegetables, beans, etc.) Brushing after meals with a SOFT bristled brush Flossing daily Though there is no cure, hopefully these tips help keep the issue at bay. As with any condition, if you suffer from canker sores that persist longer than a couple of weeks or have symptoms that significantly worsen, talk to your doctor or dentist immediately!

Most folks don’t think to look for Sodium Laureth or Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) until they start having an issue, and then they realize it’s everywhere: soaps, shampoos, toothpastes, and mouthrinses, just to name a few. While many people don’t notice the presence of these chemicals in Chicago IL , for some it can cause significant irritation. Let’s dig deeper into SLS to see how it might be affecting you! What is SLS? Sodium Lauryl Ether (Laureth) Sulfate and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, both commonly referred to as SLS, act as detergents and surfactants in many toiletries. They are both excellent emulsifying, foaming agents that behave similar to soap and are cheap to produce, making SLS a go to for cosmetic manufacturers. What are the symptoms of a SLS allergy/sensitivity? The properties of SLS can cause already sensitive or dry skin to itch, flake or crack more dramatically. Oral health care products that contain SLS are likely to cause cracking at the corners of the mouth and canker sores. Additionally, some findings indicate that residual SLS levels may be linked to a hormonal imbalance. What’s this about a link between SLS and cancer? While there has been a good amount of public debate about the status of SLS as a carcinogen and its link to cancer, it’s important to note that there’s no scientific evidence to date that supports a connection between the two. This lack of evidence has been backed up by the American Cancer Council, OSHA, and the National Toxicity Program. It’s worth noting, however, that the process by which Sodium Lauryl Sulfate becomes Sodium Laureth Sulfate can produce the byproduct dioxane, which is a suspected carcinogen and believed to linger longer in our system. What dental products can I use if I’m trying to avoid SLS in Chicago IL? SLS can be tricky to avoid; because these chemicals can be derived from coconut oil, many companies will boast “natural” and “eco-friendly” products that still contain them. The only way to be certain is to fully read the ingredient list on the product in question. For SLS-free oral health products, we recommend the following: Toothpaste Sensodyne Pronamel Sensodyne True White Verve Ultra Kid’s Toothpaste Hello Oral Care - in fluoridated and fluoride-free options Now Xyliwhite - fluoride-free Cavity Zapper - fluoridated Antigingivitis Mouth Rinse Listerine Antiseptic (be sure the bottle says antiseptic, as some other Listerine varieties still contain SLS) TheraBreath Colgate Total Fluoride Mouth Rinse ACT Anticavity Mouthwash Crest Pro-Health

As if pregnant women didn’t have enough to contend with; apparently no system in the body is off limits when carrying a little one, including the gums. Pregnancy gingivitis in Chicago IL is surprisingly common – 50 to 70 percent of women are likely to develop the condition between their second and eighth month. What Causes Chicago IL Pregnancy Ginvivitis The culprits here, as with most changes during pregnancy, are hormones and increased blood flow. Progressively greater concentrations of estrogen and progesterone in the body combine with an increase in blood and fluid retention to do a number of things. They make the gums more sensitive, increase inflammation and encourage the production of bacteria that leads to gingivitis. All of a sudden, moms-to-be aren’t just dealing with an increased levels of bacteria-caused plaque, but a hyper-sensitive mouth that doesn’t lend itself to maintaining proper oral hygiene . As plaque builds up, the health of the gums decline, and the result is gingivitis – which left untreated over a long period can turn into the more serious condition periodontitis. Pregnancy gingivitis isn’t just a concern for one’s oral and systemic health. If left unchecked, it can mean bad things for baby as well. A number of major studies have shown a link between gum disease and premature birth. Bacteria attacking the gums can also enter the bloodstream, and therefore travel all the way to the uterus. The body’s natural response to the presence of these bacteria is to produce prostaglandins, the fatty acid that normally controls inflammation and smooth muscle contraction. However, in pregnant women, prostaglandins increase and peak during labor. It is possible that, if extra prostaglandins are produced to fight gum disease, it will trigger the body to induce labor and result in premature delivery. One study in The Journal of the American Dental Association reported that pregnant women with chronic gum disease were up to seven times more likely to give birth before week 37 than those with healthy gums, and in the most severe cases, as early as 32 weeks. Signs of Pregnancy Ginvivits In Chicago IL Signs of pregnancy gingivitis range from redder gums with slight bleeding during brushing to severe swelling and bleeding of gum tissue with little provocation. In some cases a pregnancy tumor, also called a pyogenic granuloma, may even develop (don’t let the name scare you, these are completely benign). This is where areas of intense inflammation have resulted in a growth on the gum tissue that bleeds easily and can inhibit normal eating and speaking. If gingivitis was already a concern prior to becoming pregnant, these symptoms are even more likely to develop. Though this may seem a bit terrifying, pregnancy gingivitis is often minor and disappears after the pregnancy is over. Being proactive in your oral health care is essential to prevention and treatment . Brushing, flossing and using an antiseptic mouth rinse twice daily are musts. In addition, make sure you keep up with your dental cleanings – at least two over the course of your pregnancy is a good goal. Perhaps most important, talk to your dentist at the first sign that something is not right. Prevention and early treatment can mean the world to you and your little one!

Hi! My name’s Jess - I’m the practice development specialist here at Strobel Dentistry and the main contributor to this blog (we usually don’t do first person here so an introduction felt in order). I very recently started  Sure Smile clear aligner therapy at our Chicago IL dental office , and aside from mild and irrational fears that I’ll revert to my grade school lisp, I’m pretty excited, But it got me thinking; since my teeth aren’t in need of  extreme  movement, I wasn’t even sure I needed  orthodontic treatment  at all. As it turns out, there are ways your teeth should come together that might just never occur to you if you don’t know what you’re looking for. So how, optimally, should our teeth align? From the Front:  your upper front teeth should fall in front of your lower teeth (toward your lip), and should overlap them by about 2 mm. Upper and lower front teeth should hit lightly. From the Top (or Bottom) : The back teeth should be upright, NOT tipped toward the cheek or tongue. The tips of the cusps should fit into the grooves of the opposite teeth. From the Side: The upper back teeth should sit on the outside of the lower teeth. When the teeth go side-side, the ONLY teeth that hit should be the canine teeth. Why Should I Care About My Bite in Chicago IL? Good question! An optimal bite not only allows for clear speech and efficient eating, it: prevents muscle/jaw strain that can cause headaches Makes teeth easier to clean, preventing decay Allows teeth to wear evenly Prevents undue stress on teeth that could lead to breaking or cracking If my adventures in alignment have you curious how your bite measures up,  ask us for an assessment  at your next visit!

How to Take Care of Your Teeth at Home There are three essential components to great oral hygiene care at home in Chicago IL : brushing, flossing, and rinsing. Let’s get into how to do all of them correctly and what products are best! How to Brush your Teeth Proper brushing takes at least two minutes – that’s right, 120 seconds! Ideally, we want to see patients brushing twice daily. To properly brush your teeth, use short, gentle strokes. Pay extra attention to the gum line, hard-to-reach back teeth, and areas around fillings, crowns or other restorations. Use a toothbrush with soft or extra soft bristles that will not be harsh on the gum tissues. Place bristles along the gum line at a 45-degree angle. Brush using a short, vibrating roll/stroke motion away from the gums on the outside surfaces, and along all the inner tooth surfaces as well. Tilt brush vertically behind the front teeth. Make several up & down motions using the front half of the brush. Place the brush on the chewing surfaces of the teeth and use a gentle back & forth motion. Brush the tongue from back to front to remove odor-producing bacteria or use a tongue scraper. Remember to replace your toothbrush every three to four months. A toothbrush with worn, split, uneven or toothpaste-clogged bristles can’t clean your teeth effectively and may even harm your gums. If you experience a significant illness or infection, we recommend replacing your brush as well. What toothbrush should I use? Sonicare Flexcare Platinum: If you make the decision to go electric, we strongly recommend the Sonicare brand in our office. An electric toothbrush is great for helping overly aggressive brushers control their speed and pressure, as well as encouraging a full two minutes of brushing (the magic number!). Colgate Wave Sensitive: If you stick with manual, please, soft bristles!! We give out this model in office, but if another one strikes your fancy, a soft brush head is our recommendation. What toothpaste is best? Colgate Total: For the majority of patients we want a solid, fluoridated toothpaste. We like a number of Colgate products and are happy with the results of their total toothpaste. Sensodyne Pronamel: For patients who suffer from gum recession or are prone to sensitivity, we’ll recommend a toothpaste with an especially low RDA to make sure they’re treating their gums with appropriate care. Sensodyne is among the most gentle of the options available. ClinPro: For patients with weakened enamel and at a high risk for cavities we recommend prescription ClinPro toothpaste. The high concentration of sodium fluoride and tri-calcium phosphate help to restrengthen enamel and prevent decay. This toothpaste can only be purchased through a dental office. How to Floss your Teeth Proper flossing removes plaque and food particles in places where a toothbrush cannot easily reach – under the gum line and between your teeth. Because plaque build-up can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, daily flossing is highly recommended. Wrap 18″ of floss around your middle fingers, leaving an inch or two to work with. Gently follow the curves of your teeth. Be sure to clean beneath the gum line, but avoid snapping the floss onto the gums! What type of floss should you use? Oral-B Glide: To be honest, we don’t much care which floss you’re using as long as you’re doing it daily and properly! That being said, we do like Glide, as it is unwaxed and tends to stick less in people’s teeth than some other brands. Reach Access Flosser: For patients with less than average dexterity or harder to reach areas, we recommend this access flosser to ensure you’re hitting everything that needs it. Heads are one use and replacements are easily found in most drug stores. Why Should you Use Mouth Rinse? Mouth rinse is recommended in addition to regular brushing and flossing. Antiseptic and Fluoride rinses both play an important role in your oral health. Antiseptic rinse is used to improve gum health by killing a variety of germs that form plaque and cause gingivitis and bad breath. Fluoride rinse is used to strengthen and protect the teeth. The fluoride strengthens the enamel through a process called remineralization. Antiseptic Rinse Listerine: The gold standard of antiseptic mouth rinse – just make sure you get one of the varieties that says “Antiseptic” on the label. These rinses help kill harmful bacteria in the mouth and protect the health of your gums – Listerine Total Care, on the other hand, can’t offer the same kind of protection. Colgate Total Advance Pro-Shield: If you suffer from dry mouth, frequent cold or canker sores, or are just looking for less exposure to alcohol, this is the antiseptic rinse for you! Fluoride Rinse ACT: When a patient has a higher risk of caries, we’ll often suggest alternating an antiseptic rinse with this fluoridate rinse at night to help remineralize and strengthen the teeth against decay.