The Subject of Invisalign

As adults most of us wish that we had straighter teeth.  In today’s world orthodontics has advanced to the point where now we can!  Blackman and Bliss DDS has an orthodontist onsight at the practice for just such procedures.  Invisalign is probably the answer if you are an adult wishing to have a more attractive smile.  With invisalign there are clear custom made aligners that are used to gradually correct your smile.

Now a word about aligners.  These are not your childhood braces.  These can be easily removed for eating, brushing, or any special occasion where they would not be appropriate.  The days of metal brackets and wires are gone forever.  About every two weeks you will replace the aligners and before you know it the job will be done.

You can always count on Blackman and Bliss serving the western suburbs of Chicagoland for all of your dental needs.  If you live in the Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, and Wheaton areas contact Blackman and Bliss DDS at (630) 260-0333 or visit them at their office at 400 North Gary Avenue.

Changes in Dental Technology.

Those of us who are adults have been going to a dentist for decades.  Can you imagine all of the changes in technology that have taken place in the world of dentistry?  It is important to choose a dentist who has kept up with the latest innovations in the field.

Blackman and Bliss DDS of Carol Stream is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and outfitted with brand new dental equipment.  Their digital panoramic and periapical x-ray machines offer comfort and instantaneous results.  And how about dental massage chairs?  Now that’s state of the art!

A visit to the dentist today should be far different than when you were a kid.  There is no reason to fear going to the dentist in 2015.  Blackman and Bliss will do everything in their power to ensure that.  Call Blackman and Bliss, serving Carol Stream and other western suburbs of Chicagoland, at (630) 260-0333 or visit their website at www.blackmanandblissdds.com.

Avoid Sickness By Taking Care Of Your Teeth

Dental health can lend itself to your overall health. Especially with cold and flu season o the horizon. Here are a few tips to stay healthy this fall and winter by keeping your mouth clean.

Be sure to replace your toothbrush regularly – a toothbrush that’s not clean can be a source of bacteria and germs as it’s put into the mouth. Replace a toothbrush every four months, whether it appears worn out or not to reduce the spread of germs.

If you’ve been sick--get a new toothbrush – once you’ve gotten over the cold or flu, 

you should get a new toothbrush or risk reinfecting yourself every time you clean your teeth

Sanitize your toothbrush – any oral health supplies, whether it’s a toothbrush, or tools that help with flossing, can be sanitized. When items are damp, but them in the microwave for one minute to kill bacteria.

Invisalign For Adult Patients

There are many adults that wish they had a healthier, straighter smile. With today's advancements in orthodontics, there is no time like the present for that wish to become a reality.

Our on-site Orthodontist, Dr. Marty Verbic, recommends Invisalign for many adult patients looking to correct their smiles. One of the key benefits of Invisalign are the clear, custom-made aligners used to gradually and unobtrusively correct your smile.

Designed for convenience, the aligners can be easily removed for eating, brushing, and special occasions. Gone are the days of metal brackets and wires. Approximately every two weeks you will use a new set of aligners until your transformation is complete.

If you live in the Bloomingdale, Wheaton, and Carol Stream areas, contact Blackman and Bliss DDS at 630-260-0333 or online at www.blackmanandblissdds.com for more information on the benefits of Invisalign.

Good Oral Dental Health Starts At An Early Age

Good oral dental health starts at an early age. The earlier you instill good dental hygienic habits in your kids, the better. Show your kids that practicing good oral health is important and can be fun by practicing good oral health yourself. Do as I say, and as I do!

Be sure to take your children to the dentist regularly (usually every six months or as directed by your dentist) for routine cleanings and check-ups. This is not only good for the mouth, but the psyche, as kids can build a comfort level with their dentist as a result of routine visits. Getting to know your Dentist makes he or she less a of stranger and more of a friend. -- A friend who makes you smile and keeps your smile clean.

Always be sure to ask your children if they brushed their teeth before they leave for school and when they are getting ready for bed. Brushing with your kids is also a great idea. Teach your children the importance of flossing too.Just as brushing is important in preventing cavities, flossing is equally important for in-between the teeth. Flossing also helps to prevent gum disease, which can contribute to health complications later in life.

We aren't just your dentist, we're your friend and the keeper of your smile. If you live in the Bloomingdale, Wheaton, and Carol Stream areas, contact Blackman and Bliss DDS at 630-260-0333 or online at www.blackmanandblissdds.com to make an appointment.

Dr. Blackman Featured In Jade Dental Lab's News Letter

Remember To Rinse Your Mouth Thoroughly After Eating To Remove Debris

Children and adults should visit us for a regular cleaning and check up every six months. People at a greater risk for oral diseases should have dental check-ups more than twice a year. Tobacco and alcohol use, diabetes, pregnancy, periodontal and gum disease, poor oral hygiene and certain medical conditions are some of the many factors that your dentist takes into consideration when deciding how often you need your dental cleaning and check up.

Between visits it's important to brush and floss TWICE daily. It's not a bad idea to carry around a disposable toothbrush that can be found at any major drug store. Using these following a meal while eating out is a great way to proactively combat plaque and gum disease.

Another importance that isn't as advertised is rinsing. Be sure to rinse thoroughly. Sometimes brushing and flossing may loosen debris but still fail to remove it. Rinsing your mouth and swishing it around for a minute will not only remove that stubborn fibrous debris, it will leave your breath smelling great!

If you live in the Bloomingdale, Wheaton, and Carol Stream areas, contact Blackman and Bliss DDS at 630-260-0333 or online at www.blackmanandblissdds.com to make an appointment.

Flossing Between Your Teeth Is Essential To Avoid Periodontal Disease

A lot of people take for granted the importance of flossing. Flossing between your teeth is essential to avoid periodontal disease, it also prevents tooth decay. Periodontal disease is one of the main causes of tooth loss in adults and can be easily prevented by flossing. Studies have even shown that flossing can also help prevent heart attacks and strokes.

Flossing Prevents Plaque

Dental plaque is made up of harmful micro-organisms which include bacteria, viruses, and protozoa (microscopic parasites). If there is plaque left between teeth and near gums, it can accumulate and cause inflammation. This is the first phase of gum disease which is called gingivitis.

If gingivitis is not taken care of, it may develop into periodontitis, a more advanced and more severe stage of the disease. Periodontitis damages the alveolar bone that holds teeth in the jaw. If not treated, this disease may therefore eventually lead to tooth loss.

Another great reason to floss is the prevention of halitosis. If dental plaque that is found between teeth is not cleaned, it will eventually release a foul smell from your mouth. This is a major reason why a person may suffer from bad breath (halitosis). Tooth decay and gum disease, also caused by dental plaque, are a source of a bad smell in the mouth, as well.

If you live in the Bloomingdale, Wheaton, and Carol Stream areas, contact Blackman and Bliss DDS at 630-260-0333 or online at http://www.blackmanandblissdds.com/ for more information on the benefits of flossing.

When Should I See A Dentist For A Tooth Ache?

Have you ever wondered when to see the dentist for a toothache? Toothaches are painful. Everyone has had one, and just thinking about them can make you wince. But when does that pain become a sign that it's time to make an appointment? If you are experimenting a dull or mild tooth pain, this might just be sensitivity. Everyone's teeth are sensitive to different things. Sometimes ice cream can cause temporary pain. In this case, a visit to the dentist probably isn't necessary. Rinse with warm salt water and brush with a sensitive toothpaste.

If you have a toothache that becomes sensitive to all of the elements for an extended period of time, then it's time to visit a dentist. An abscess may have occurred and the problem is only going to get worse. It's not unlike a leak on a boat, the hole is going to grow bigger with time and will allow more particles of food and other nerve damaging, painful elements into the tooth.

In many cases, particles of food and debris do get stuck inside of the tooth. At that time, a root canal is needed to thoroughly clean the affected area. That is done to ensure no debris is left behind, because if it is there will be detrimental effects on the tooth and whether or not it can be saved.

If you live in the Bloomingdale, Wheaton, and Carol Stream areas, contact Blackman and Bliss DDS at 630-260-0333 or online at http://www.blackmanandblissdds.com/ for more information on tooth sensitivity.

How To Prevent Baby Bottle Tooth Decay

Despite being temporary, baby teeth are still very important. These teeth are crucial to chewing, speaking, and having a healthy smile. Baby teeth also have the job of ushering in adult teeth correctly, which is why it's imperative that children learn good habits in oral care. When babies and toddlers do get cavities it is often referred to as "baby bottle tooth decay."

Most often baby bottle tooth decay occurs in the upper front teeth, but it's not limited to that area. Contributing factors include drinking sugary drinks, or putting a baby to bed with a bottle instead of a pacifier. Tooth decay can also come from a primary caregiver sharing eating utensils with a child.

The following are tips on preventing baby bottle tooth decay from MouthHealthy.org:

• Try not to share saliva with the baby through common use of feeding spoons or licking pacifiers. After each feeding, wipe your child's gums with a clean, damp gauze pad or washcloth.
• When your child's teeth come in, brush them gently with a child-size toothbrush and water. Be sure to consult with your child's dentist or physician if you are considering using fluoride toothpaste before age 2.
• Brush the teeth with a pea-sized amount of toothpaste from the ages of 2 to 6.
• Supervise brushing until your child can be counted on to spit and not swallow toothpaste-usually not before he or she is 6 or 7.
• Place only formula, milk or breastmilk in bottles. Avoid filling the bottle with liquids such as sugar water, juice or soft drinks.
• Infants should finish their bedtime and nap time bottles before going to bed.
• If your child uses a pacifier, provide one that is clean-don't dip it in sugar or honey.
• Encourage your child to drink from a cup by his/her first birthday.
• Encourage healthy eating habits.

If you live in the Bloomingdale, Wheaton, and Carol Stream areas, contact Blackman and Bliss DDS at 630-260-0333 or online at www.blackmanandblissdds.com for more information on preventing tooth decay in young children.

Several Tips To Help Your Child Stop Thumb Sucking

Sucking on pacifiers, thumbs, fingers, or other objects is a natural instinct for young children. This action may help soothe them and also assist with falling asleep. This act can be relatively harmless, until the permanent teeth start coming in. Sucking can cause issues with teeth alignment, effect the growth of the mouth, and damage to the roof of the mouth.

Kids usually quit sucking pacifiers, thumbs, and other objects between the ages of two and four years old. However, if you happen to notice any changes to your child's teeth as a result of sucking, call our office.

According to the American Dental Association, here are several tips to help your child stop thumb sucking:

• Praise your child for not sucking.
• Children often suck their thumbs when feeling insecure or needing comfort. Focus on correcting the cause of the anxiety and provide comfort to your child.
• For an older child, involve him or her in choosing the method of stopping.
• Your dentist can offer encouragement to your child and explain what could happen to their teeth if they do not stop sucking.
• If these tips do not work, remind the child of their habit by bandaging the thumb or putting a sock on the hand at night.
• Bitter medication can be prescribed or the use of a mouth appliance. 

If you live in the Bloomingdale, Wheaton, and Carol Stream areas, contact Blackman and Bliss DDS at 630-260-0333 or online at www.blackmanandblissdds.com for more information on curbing your child's thumb sucking habits.