Cosmetic Dentistry Is Now Affordable For Nearly Everyone In Chicagoland.

Your smile says a lot about you. At Blackman and Bliss DDS, we offer not only general dentistry but also cosmetic dentistry. When some folks hear "cosmetic dentistry" they immediately associate it with plastic surgery: "an unattainable option reserved solely for the wealthy"--not true.
Cosmetic dentistry has made great strides in the advancement of dental technology. We can do for your smile what used to be available to only the Hollywood elite. It used to cost in excess of 30 thousand dollars ,in many cases,for people to get a smile like Denzel Washington.

With the advancement and quality of veneers and lumineers, a Hollywood smile is available to you right here in Carol Stream, Illinois!-- and you don't have to star in a movie to get them!

We accept all major credit cards, insurance providers, and our professionals will work with you to find a payment plan that best suits your needs.

Your smile says so much about you. Think of them as the picket fence that adorns your mouth. Sure, thinking of wooden teeth isn't exactly where you thought this article was headed, but here's the metaphor-- If that picket fence were worn and weathered, you would mend it and paint it, thus improving the quality of your home and yard (mouth and face). And ultimately your home's overall value (your self esteem and quality of life).

So, let's mend that fence. It's a lot easier than you think and much more affordable than you can imagine. It probably is more affordable than a picket fence. Those run steep and aren't made of porcelain. Porcelain lasts longer than wood.

Hope your'e not lost in the metaphors. The short of it is, fix your smile today and improve the rest of your life. A smile is a terrible thing to hide!

Poor Dental Care Is In Direct Correlation With Heart Disease.

So you haven't been to the dentist since the late 80's. You're scared to go now and just decide to avoid the dentist all together. Instead you opt to hang out with the grim reaper. A bit far fetched? Not really.

Did you know poor dental care is in direct correlation with heart disease? Think of all of those times you ducked the dentist only to let an infection in the mouth get into your blood stream, travel to your heart and- well, you know the rest. Scared? You should be. You should be scared if you don't visit a dentist regularly. Sure dentists grab those cold tools and put you under that bright light while the hose slurps your mouth dry. Small price to pay to avoid heart disease, wouldn't you say?

So, if you haven't visited a dentist since the Reagan administration and are wary of what he may do to you, think of the daily assault not only to your teeth, but to your body. Unless your a mechanic, you most likely take your car in for repair. Regard your teeth with as much maintenance as your beloved car. Even Dentists see Dentists- Kind of hard to work on your own mouth under sedation.

Be afraid of the dark, be afraid of spiders but don't be afraid of the dentist. We're here to help. We just want to hang out twice a year. Gingivitis wants to homestead in your mouth. We don't sound so bad anymore, do we?

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.