Periodontal Care
Did you know that gum disease is a silent disease – you may have it and not even know it! Your gums are just as integral to a beautiful smile and luckily, Dr. Chaiken and the staff at Dental Care of Northern Chicago are fully qualified to examine, diagnose, and treat an array of periodontal (gum) diseases.

Gum disease is one of the most common overlooked chronic diseases in the U.S. today. It is a serious bacterial infection that can enter your bloodstream and travel throughout your body. It has been linked to system conditions such as diabetes, pre-mature babies, heart disease, pancreatic cancer, and stroke.

Gingivitis, the first stage of periodontal disease, is caused when plaque builds up around the base of teeth. This plaque is composed of food deposits and bacteria; eventually it will cause the gums to become red, swollen, and tender. Fortunately, gingivitis is treatable and can be reversed with a combination of professional cleaning and diligent care at home.

When gingivitis is left untreated, the disease may progress into a more dangerous stage called periodontitis. Gum disease is diagnosed as periodontitis once the infection and inflammation begin to affect the bone and ligament structures that support the tooth. Over time, periodontitis can cause dangerous abscesses, or weaken the teeth so that they loosen and fall out. If you have gum disease, you can brush all you want, but it will not go away until a dentist or hygienist removes the bacteria with specially designed instruments.

Many people think that if they if they brush their teeth twice a day and see a dentist twice a year they will not develop gum disease. Certain risk factors, such a medications and medical conditions make some people more susceptible to gum disease than others. If your gums bleed when you brush your teeth or have become swollen or tender, you may have gingivitis or periodontal disease. The attentions of a dentist are critical, as periodontal disease will not get better or go away on its own. Please contact us today to schedule a thorough evaluation of your teeth and gums.

Sensitive Teeth
Tooth sensitivity can be triggered by hot, cold, sweet, or sour foods and drinks, or even by breathing cold air. The pain can be sharp, sudden, and shoot deep into the nerve endings of your teeth. It is generally caused when the underlying layer of your teeth -- the dentin -- becomes exposed as a result of receding gum tissue (the protective blanket that covers the tooth roots). The roots, which are not covered by hard enamel, contain thousands of tiny tubules leading to the tooth's nerve center (the pulp). These dentinal tubules (or channels) allow the stimuli -- for example, the hot, cold, or sweet food -- to reach the nerve in your tooth, which results in the pain you feel.

Causes of sensitive teeth can result from conditions involving brushing too hard, tooth decay, cracked teeth, recession at the gum line, grinding your teeth, aging, and gum disease. Contact Dr. Chaiken to have him evaluate the source of your sensitivity. Treatment may include something as simple as the use of a over the counter “sensitive teeth” products, procedures that bond desensitizing medicaments to seal the tubules of the dentin or the correction of bite (occlusal) discrepancies. Proper evaluation is the first step to solving your problem and comfort is just a phone call away!

Bad Breath
Bad breath, medically known as halitosis, can result from poor dental health habits and may be a sign of other health problems. Bad breath can also be made worse by the types of foods you eat and other unhealthy lifestyle habits.

When you eat, food begins to be break down in your mouth. As foods are digested and absorbed into your bloodstream, they are eventually carried to your lungs and given off in your breath. If you eat foods with strong odors (such as garlic or onions), brushing and flossing -- even mouthwash -- merely covers up the odor temporarily. The odor will not go away completely until the foods pass through your body.

Bad breath can also be a warning sign of gum disease. Bacteria causing plaque build up can produces toxins in the mouth which irritate gums and can damage your jawbone. Other dental causes of bad breath include dental caries (cavities), yeast infections and poor fitting dentures or partial dentures.

There are medical conditions and diseases that may be the cause of bad breath. These include respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia or bronchitis, chronic sinus infections, postnasal drip, diabetes, chronic acid reflux, and liver or kidney problems. In addition, the medical condition dry mouth (also called xerostomia) can also cause bad breath. Saliva is necessary to moisten and cleanse the mouth by neutralizing acids produced by plaque. If the plaque is not removed, these cells decompose and can cause bad breath. Dry mouth may be caused by the side effects of various medications, salivary gland problems, or continuous breathing through the mouth.

Go ahead, pucker up and get ready to kiss with confidence! Dr. Chaiken and his team will do a thorough evaluation to find the cause of your bad breath and get rid of it, once and for all!

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