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Atrium Family Dental of New Lenox Blog

3 Brushing Habits to Break Today

February 25, 2017

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: , , — atriumfamily @ 11:47 pm

The ADA has listed several brushing habits they want you to break.  Here are our top 3 from their list.

  1. We don’t brush long enough.  Most people brush their teeth for 45 seconds, but the optimal time for brushing is a full two minutes a day, twice per day, according to MouthHealthy.org.
  2. We brush too soon after a meal.  Brushing after a meal is a good idea, but wait at least 30 minutes, especially if you enjoyed something acidic, such as lemons or soda. MouthHealthy.org recommends chewing sugarless gum or drinking water while waiting to brush.
  3. We brush too hard.  Ease up! According to MouthHealthy.org, some people brush their teeth harder than they need to for an effective cleaning. “Too much pressure may wear down the hard outer shell on your teeth and damage your gums,” according to the website.

Try breaking your unhealthy brushing habits today.  Come see us for more helpful tips, and remember twice a year, regular cleaning is best.

To Chew or Not To Chew…Gum, that is!

January 18, 2017

Filed under: General Dentistry,Health,Uncategorized — Tags: , , — atriumfamily @ 7:04 pm

Do you chew gum?  Do you wonder the oral effects gum has on your mouth and teeth?  Have you ever heard that chewing gum can be good for your teeth?  We are here to tell you the ins and outs of gum chewing. But, by no means will you hear us say, gum chewing can replace regular brushing and flossing.

According to the ADA, the physical act of chewing increases the flow of saliva in your mouth. If you chew after eating, the increased salivary flow can help neutralize and wash away the acids that are produced when food is broken down by the bacteria in plaque on your teeth. Over time, acid can break down tooth enamel, creating the conditions for decay. Increased saliva flow also carries with it more calcium and phosphate to help strengthen tooth enamel. Clinical studies have shown that chewing sugarless gum for 20 minutes following meals can help prevent tooth decay.
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The dangers of E-Cigarettes

November 29, 2016

Filed under: General Dentistry,Health — atriumfamily @ 10:31 pm

There are many dangers that come along with an e-cigarette. Initial studies show that e-cigarettes contain nicotine and also may add in other harmful chemicals, including carcinogens and lung irritants. Almost all e-cigarettes contain nicotine. Nicotine is an addictive substance. Nicotine inhalation inhibits your ability to produce saliva, which can leave you susceptible to bacteria buildup, dry mouth, and tooth decay.  Some studies show, bacteria and inflammation in your mouth are also linked to other problems, including heart attack and dementia, and may well jeopardize your overall health.  According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, if dry mouth is left untreated, severe tooth decay and gum disease can occur.  30 percent of all tooth decay in older adults is caused by dry mouth.
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Benefits of Children’s Dentistry

September 26, 2016

Filed under: Children's Dentistry — Tags: , — atriumfamily @ 12:00 pm

Most parents are well aware that the key benefits of children’s dentistry include that it sets kids up for a lifetime of healthy dental habits. This is a significant thing to provide to kids. After all, we now know that overall health and wellbeing tends to related directly to the health and wellbeing of our teeth and gums. This is why we offer families at Atrium Family Dental in New Lenox, IL a full array of children’s dentistry services.
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Ease Your Anxiety at the Dentist

September 25, 2016

Filed under: General Dentistry,Health — Tags: — atriumfamily @ 9:25 pm

Are you like 75 percent of American’s who have some anxiety when visiting the dentist’s office? Worry no more, read on for a few good ways to ease your mind before you sit down in our dental chair.

  1. Tell us!  Please, let Dr. Shane Sudman and his staff know that you are anxious about your appointment.  Tell us on the phone. When making your appointment,  make sure to to tell us so we can make you feel comfortable from your first encounter with us.
  2. Don’t schedule your appointment on a tight schedule.  We know everyone is busy these days, but it is far better to feel calm on your way in.  Try not to schedule anything too pressing right after your visit.
  3. Wear comfortable, breathable clothing.  Nothing too tight or restrictive, or anything that will make you more hot and sweaty.
  4. Breathe. Try to get to our office a few minutes early.  Sit down, look at the fireplace, enjoy our comfy chairs and couch. Enjoy our inviting decor, we like to think of our waiting room more of a living room than a stark dental office.
  5. Remind us of your fears.  We are happy to listen to you and help you through your anxiety.  We know it’s tough to voice what you are feeling. Tell us exactly what you need from us, your expectations can be met if you help our staff understand what you need.
  6. Take deep breaths, and close your eyes.  This may be the only time in your day you get a chance to lay down, and not have to talk to anyone….enjoy it.

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