Do Not Ignore a Toothache as You Enjoy Your Holiday Treats.

It’s okay…we know you will be enjoying more sweet treats than you normally do.  It is all part of the holidays.  You know the protocol - brush frequently, floss often and rinse your mouth out to avoid the ravages of tooth decay.

The important thing is DO NOT let a toothache continue in hopes that it goes away.  Your mouth is talking TO you rather than FOR you.  It is telling you to have a qualified dentist look closely at the problem.

The good folks at Blackman and Bliss are trained to spot problems right away.  Maybe it is nothing.  Maybe you need a filling or even a root canal.  It is important to discover this early in 2015, especially if your new insurance coverage has kicked in.

Do not delay!  At the first sign of oral discomfort call your Bloomingdale, Carol Stream and Wheaton area dentist, Blackman and Bliss at (630) 260-0333 and have a brighter 2015.

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.

Sweets Can Sour a Smile

Halloween is around the corner and so are all of those sugary sweets. This year, be prepared for the onslaught of dental damaging delectables by being prepared... With a brush and floss!

Handing out candy is an ages old tradition, but who says traditions can't change? Why not hand out something a little less damaging to the teeth, like fruit snacks or sugar free goodies.

You can really be the most unpopular house on the block by handing out toothpaste and floss. But guess what, the parents on the block will love you! Why? because you're doing your part to save them thousands of dollars in dental expenses down the road.

Have a fun and safe Halloween. Be sure to practice safety and vigilance and don't forget to brush!

What To Do About A Toothache At Night Before Seeing Your Dentist In The Morning.

It's the middle of the night and you are awoken by excruciating pain. It's a toothache. So powerful it woke you from your dream-your dream about a toothache. You sit up in bed, touch the side of your face and suddenly realize it's real. Your toothache was so powerful it became the antagonist in your dream.


Pain, however, is a good thing. Yep, I'll say it again. "Pain-Is-A-Good-Thing"... "Why?" -You ask. Think of pain as our body's DEFCON level. When we feel no pain we are at DEFCON 5. All is well in the oral world and we have no enemies. Until that is plaque and gingivitis begin their assault. That's when pain let's us know something is amiss and we need to locate the problem.

As the day progresses, your oral defense-condition dwindles to DEFCON 3. A mild toothache is on the horizon but you've dismissed it as perhaps a wayward popcorn kernel, or maybe you were chomping on your gum like a horse. Either way, you ignore it-even though the pain is sending you warnings of incoming enemies.

You brush your teeth and floss-and for the moment, they feel better. Your oral state seems to be back to DEFCON 5. You get in bed and fall asleep peacefully only to have dreams of a giant molar chasing you with a Louisville slugger. You wake up in a cold sweat; with a toothache-DEFCON 1. It's 4 a.m and your dentist isn't open. What do you do until the cavalry comes?

Here are a few tips to combat the enemy toothache until you see your dentist in the morning.

1.Gently floss in between the sore tooth to remove any food debris or particles that may be lodged there.

2.Gently rinse your mouth out with warm salt water.

3.Purchase an over-the-counter pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen (acetaminophen, if it is for a child age 2 or older) and take according to directions on the package.

4.You can apply oil of cloves or an over the counter antiseptic that contains benzocaine directly onto the gums or tooth. Both of these act as a numbing agent to temporarily relieve pain. Never place anything else such as aspirin or other pain relievers near the tooth or on the gum because they can cause the gum tissue to burn.

5.A cold compress can be applied to the facial area if a trauma has occurred, to reduce pain and swelling.

This should force the enemy combatants and the plaque brigade to back off until we can properly assess and diagnose the problem. Keep your oral Defensive Condition in tact by brushing twice daily and flossing. A peaceful mouth is a clean mouth.