The Perfect Solution To a Whiter Smile

The dentists of Blackman & Bliss, DDS have a wide array of procedures that deal with our aesthetic concerns. One of which is porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are a custom made, ultra thin tooth colored shell that is made with the purpose of covering the front surface of one's teeth to improve their appearance. Porcelain veneers can change the color, shape, size, and length.

Common uses for porcelain veneers includes the treatment of:

• misshapen teeth
• discolored teeth
• teeth that are misaligned
• chipped teeth
• cracked teeth
• gaps between teeth
• worn teeth 

Depending on the results you'd like to achieve, porcelain veneers may be the perfect solution to your problem. 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 porcelain veneers.

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.

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.

Installing Good Oral Hygiene Routines In Your Children

Instilling good oral hygiene routines in your child's day to day is an investment that will save you both money and headache in the future. Oral hygiene seems like a hassle to most kids. "Where's the fun?" They ask. Here are a few tips to get your kids involved in practicing good oral hygiene and have fun while doing so.

1. Let your child pick out his or her own toothbrush and toothpaste. You can even encourage him to choose more than one at the store, and then let him have the choice of deciding which to use each time he brushes his teeth. This will give your child a sense of control over the situation and make him feel more involved in the process. Plus, it never hurts to have spare toothbrushes.
2. Buy your child some books about the importance of tooth brushing, and make a daily routine of reading those books before heading to the bathroom sink each day.
3. Make a game of good dental practices. Have the children in your house keep a chart in the bathroom. Every time they brush their teeth, they get a gold star. Brush as a family. Kids always want to do what mom and dad are doing. A family that brushes together, avoids plaque together.
4. Make a playlist of your child's favorite music, and then let them brush along to the beat. Tell your child he cannot stop brushing until the song finishes, and alternate songs each time your child goes to brush to keep things interesting.
5. Have your child pick out a timer from the store and use that to assist your child in knowing how long to brush. When the timer goes off, it is time to rinse.
6. Create a dental grooming kit for your child similar to daddy's shaving kit or mom's nail kit. Include toothpaste and brushes, floss, mouthwash, and anything else your child wants or needs in the kit. Let your child keep his kit next to parent's in the bathroom.
7. Set a good example by taking good care of your own teeth, and by teaching the importance of good dental hygiene to your children. Children like to mimic adults and feel grown up. If they see you brushing your teeth regularly, they will be more inclined to do the same.

You can use more than one of the above ideas at a time with your child. It is just a matter of finding out what works best for your particular child. Using different methods as your child ages is often a good idea 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 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.

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.

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.

The Advantages of Having All-on-4 Implants Verses Dentures

Dentures have been around many, many years and have served people to the best of their ability. Today, many dental patients are looking for a more durable alternative to dentures. That treatment is known as All-on-4 dental implants.

During this procedure, the oral surgeon will place four titanium implants into the jawbone. Then the lifelike prosthetic is permanently secured for a beautiful new smile. 

There are many advantages to having All-on-4 implants verses dentures. With All-on-4 implants you'll receive immediate results, an enhanced appearance, control over the foods you eat, an improved quality of life, and you'll eliminate the health issues associated with failing teeth.

Enjoy eating again with dramatic improvement in your chewing ability. Your new teeth will feel remarkably more stable with a greater feeling of comfort. A major benefit of the All-in-4 implants is the preservation of the jawbone. This prevents deterioration of the facial structure related to missing teeth and the root system that supports them.

While dentures have come a long way, they still can present problems of their own. Since they are held in place by way of a fixative, application is not always pleasant and the bond is not always secure. Dentures frequently slip and move, resulting in discomfort and embarrassment while speaking and eating. The movement of dentures is linked to sores and gum irritation. Unlike an All-on-4 implant, dentures require regular maintenance and must be removed for cleaning. Also unlike an All-on-4 implant, dentures require eventual replacement.

If you suffer from tooth loss and are looking for a solution, contact Blackman and Bliss DDS at 630-260-0333 or online at www.blackmanandblissdds.com for more information on All-on-4 dental implants and how they can change your life.

Welcome To The Blog Of Blackman & Bliss!

Serving the communities of Bloomingdale, Wheaton and Carol Stream for over 30 years, Blackman and Bliss DDS offers cosmetic, reconstructive and general dentistry to provide patients with a healthy and beautiful smile. Combining all areas of dentistry under one roof, the comprehensive practice covers everything from cosmetic-focused procedures such as Invisalign and Lumineers to fulfilling orthodontic and oral surgery needs on-site.

Featuring customizable treatment plans to fit the unique needs and desires of each individual patient, Dr. Blackman and Dr. Bliss place an emphasis on personal attention coupled with years of experience to achieve optimal oral health. Our knowledgeable staff strives to ensure your dental experience is a positive one and is always available to answer any questions you may have about your dental health.

Please feel free to contact our office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Blackman or Dr. Bliss at 630-260-0333 or online at www.blackmanandblissdds.com.