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Dental Root Canal Warning Signs

Dental root canals are difficult to identify; it is similar to figuring out whether or not you need a filling. It is challenging, especially during those first stages, to know if just better dental hygiene or major dental work is required, and this is due to the fact that many of the signs can only be determined by a trained dentist. Physical symptoms of the need for a root canal typically do not start until the problem has become more advanced, which is why if you read any of the signs that we list in this blog, it is essential to see a dentist right away.

Dental root canals are used to save and repair teeth that have become decayed or infected. When the part of the tooth that is composed of blood vessels and nerves is damaged, it needs to be removed while the inside of the tooth is cleaned and then sealed. When you suspect that you have a problem with one or more of your teeth, here are signs you may need a root canal:

Persistent Pain of the Teeth, Gums, & Mouth

Pain in your teeth is one of the primary indicators that something is wrong with the root. If constant pain is stopping you from doing normal activities like drinking or eating, you need to see a dentist as soon as you can. Your dentist will examine the tooth or teeth that are bugging you to see if there are any nerves or blood vessels that are infected or inflamed. Antibiotics can fix the pain when identified in the early stages, but your dentist might choose to do a root canal to provide a more permanent pain relief solution.

Teeth Discoloration

Discolored teeth can be the result of food and drink stains, nerve damage beneath the tooth’s surface, or poor dental hygiene. When the discoloration is the result of damaged blood vessels, it will be necessary for your dentist to perform a root canal to repair the damaged root.

Chipped Or Cracked Tooth

Chipping or cracking teeth is very common; it can happen from something as simple as eating to contact sports to when previous dental procedures don’t work out. When a tooth gets chipped or cracked, it will expose the nerve beneath the surface and lead to infection. Infections within the root of the tooth can spread. An untreated infection requires a root canal to prevent further long-lasting problems and pain.

Teeth Sensitivity To Heat or Cold

Another prevalent sign that you may need a root canal is extreme sensitivity to hot and cold. When your tooth aches while drinking or eating hot or cold food and drinks, it is a problem. Small aches will progress into sharp, unbearable pain when left untreated.

Prolonged Teeth Sensitivity

When you put pressure on your tooth, does it hurt? Does that sensitivity to touch last for weeks or months without any signs of improvement? Then a root canal with the experienced dentists at Beautiful Smiles Dental Center may be the answer. Prolonged tooth sensitivity is usually the result of a damaged root, and unfortunately, they will not heal on their own. When you want the pain to stop running your life and keep infections away, your dentist will stop at nothing to help you.

Swollen Gums

Another sign of problems beneath the surface of the teeth is swollen gums. When your gums are in extreme pain and are swollen, your dentist Beautiful Smiles Dental Center will examine the swollen gums to see if inflammation is the culprit. If inflamed gums do not improve, a root canal will be needed.

Irreversible Tooth Decay

Unfortunately, once the tooth has experienced deep decay, no amount of flossing, brushing, or rinsing the mouth will solve the problem at hand. When a cavity has been neglected for too long, it will spread down into the nerve and the root of the tooth. In these cases, root canals are the only option for repair.

Remember to make your oral hygiene one of your top priorities. Brushing and flossing your teeth in the morning is essential, alongside regular dentist visits. When you neglect your teeth, infection and disease will put a damper on your life and put you in unbearable pain. Don’t wait, and call Beautiful Smiles Dental Center away.

Don’t Panic, Beautiful Smiles Dental Center is Always Here To Help!

When you suspect that you have an issue with your teeth that can only be fixed with a root canal, take a deep breath. Though they are not at the top of anyone’s list for a great time, root canals do not have to be painful or scary. The quicker you get your issue diagnosed by a trained professional, the less time you will have to live in pain. Like any other procedure, you will experience some minor aches and sensitivity following the treatment; these small pains will go away in no time. When you are experiencing tooth pain, the best thing to do is contact Beautiful Smiles and schedule an appointment.

Contact Beautiful Smiles Today

When you are experiencing any of the above symptoms or have any questions regarding these signs, contact us immediately. Our welcoming, professional, and friendly staff is ready to help you with any dental concerns that you have. Learn more about our root canal procedures here, and contact us when you suspect you need dental help.

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Does Drinking Soda Cause Tooth Decay & Cavities?

Are you thinking about having another one of those sweet gulps of a sugary soda? Well, maybe its time to rethink your choice and reach for a bottle of water instead. Sodas among other sugary drinks, contain vast amounts of sugar an overwhelming factor of tooth decay and cavity development of people of all ages. When you sip a sugary drink, you feed bacteria and allow them to create a community of bacteria we know as plaque. This plaque provides a home for the bacteria until they can make acids that eventually break down the structure of the tooth and the tooth’s enamel, which causes cavities.

Acids In Sugary Drinks

Keep in mind, there are a lot more bad things in soda than the sugar. There are acids in sweetened drinks that are extremely dangerous for teeth. Soda, juices, and sports drinks all contain acids that lead to dental erosion and tooth wear. If left untreated, it will result in pain and toothache that, at some times, is unbearable.

Are all Sweetened Beverages Harmful?

It all depends on the sweetened drink that you have chosen. Did you know that milk and dairy products contain a high sugar level, but are not harmful to the health of your teeth? Milk contains sugar and acid that actually protect your teeth from harmful acids.

Milk contains high levels of calcium and phosphate that aid a process referred to as dental remineralization. These two key elements make the enamel in your teeth more durable while boasting other components that make bacteria and plaque harder to stick on to your teeth. Give your teeth a fighting chance and make sure to work a glass of milk into your daily routine!

Sugary Drinks & Children

Sugary drinks are any easy option to pack in lunches, for long car rides, and when they want something sweet, but an excessive amount of these beverages have a much more severe impact on them. As children, their teeth are always developing, so they are more susceptible to harmful bacteria that will wear down their teeth.

Sometimes, the easier drink option isn’t always the best, by reinforcing the importance of drinking water and milk at a younger age and can help them think twice about choosing sugary drinks as they get older. Also, one thing you can do as a parent is to make sure to support them as well by also choosing healthier drink options to enforce the habit.

Tooth Decay & Dental Cavity Treatments in Gurnee IL

Depending on your tooth’s state when you come into the clinic, your treatment options can and will vary. If the tooth decay has just started and or a cavity has just emerged, then a proper fluoride treatment can help restore the tooth’s enamel. If the tooth is too far gone, crowns, fillers, and tooth extraction may be in order to protect the rest of your teeth. Constant check-ups are highly recommended at Beautiful Smiles Dental Center in Gurnee, IL because it allows us time to identify and correct any dental emergencies before they become severe. Especially if you continuously drink soda or any other sugary drinks, regular dental check-ups are essential to prevent tooth decay & dental cavities.

Contact Beautiful Smiles Dental Center Today

We want nothing less than for your smile to keep on glowing & cavity free. For more advice, appointments, and check-ups, do not hesitate to contact us today.

Call us by noon & we can see you Today! 📲 (847) 249-5700, or email us at beautifulsmilesdentalcenter@gmail.com

YES! WE ARE OPEN! 😁

➖We are supporting the government’s initiative in fighting COVID-19 by implementing new protocols like limiting the number of patients that enter the building & having special time slots for high risk patients.

😷 As always, we adhere and exceed all OSHA and CDC recommendations to ensure we provide you with the safest and most comfortable environment during your dental visits.

* Also virtual consults are still available with Dr.Galvez if you cannot come into the office.

Beautiful Smiles Dental Center – What to Expect During Your Next Dental Visit

Choosing the right dental practice and dentist in your local area is very important. Not only will your chosen dental center provide ongoing care to help you maintain a beautiful and healthy smile, but they’ll be fundamental in spotting problems early and providing you with reliable emergency dental services when needed.

Beautiful Smiles Dental Center strives to provide patients with the best service for dental health. We combine advanced treatments and extensive professional expertise with a relaxing and comfortable environment tailored towards patient care.

When you visit our dental practice, you can always expect to be treated with the upmost care by trained professionals. We go the extra mile to make sure that you’re comfortable and well-informed about all treatments and procedures.

Whether you’ve been visiting Beautiful Smiles Dental Center for many years, you’re planning your first visit, or you’re searching for the best dental practices in Gurnee, Illinois you can expect the highest quality of service from our team. To prepare you for your visit, here’s what to expect from your next appointment with Dr. Milagros Gálvez at Beautiful Smiles Dental Center:

Convenient to Waukegan, Gurnee, & Park City, IL

The first thing to expect on a visit to Beautiful Smiles Dental Center is convenience. Our dental practice is located at 355 S. Greenleaf Ave., Suite E Park City, IL 60085, putting us in the perfect position to serve the residents of Park City. You can reach our practice quickly from anywhere in Park City, Gurnee, Waukegan, and the surrounding areas, which is convenient for dental emergencies when you need access to a reliable dental practice without any delays!

Excellent, Well Trained Staff that Welcomes You

A warm welcome is a guarantee when you visit Beautiful Smiles Dental Center. Our friendly staff are always happy to help and go above and beyond to make sure that your experience with us is nothing short of perfect. All of our staff are well trained, friendly, and accommodating, so if you have any questions, concerns, or special requirements, you don’t need to be afraid to ask and we’ll help where possible.

Bilingual Staff – English and Spanish (Espanol)

Whether you’re stopping by Beautiful Smiles Dental Center for a consultation or you need expert care at a moment’s notice, excellent communication is critical to ensure you’re well-informed of all the options open to you. Dr. Milagros Gálvez is completely fluent in Spanish and English, so you’ll be able to receive expert advice in the language you feel most comfortable using.

Knowledgeable, Highly Skilled Dentists

From our cosmetic and restorative treatments to the warm welcome you’ll receive on arrival, every part of the Beautiful Smiles Dental Center experience is tailored towards excellent patient care.

Dr. Milagros Gálvez is an expert in many areas of dentistry with extensive professional training and more than a decade of experience providing exemplary dental care.

You can expect nothing less than the best professional advice and the highest standard of treatment when you visit Beautiful Smiles Dental Center.

Beautiful Smiles Dental – In-Network Dental Insurances

At Beautiful Smiles Dental Center, we aim to deliver the best dental treatments at affordable prices. Dr. Milagros Gálvez accepts a large number of in-network insurances, so you can receive the treatment you need without paying extra. The in-network insurances our practice accepts, include:

Aetna
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois
Cigna
Dearborn National
Delta Dental
Dental Network of America
Guardian
Humana
MetLife
Principle Financial Group
Sun Life Financial
Tricare Dental Program
UniCare
United Concordia
UnitedHealthcare

Excellent Bedside Manner

We understand that visiting the dentist for severe or long-term tooth problems can be a daunting prospect, but our goal is to put your mind at ease. Beautiful Smiles Dental Center offers a relaxing environment with staff that will make you feel comfortable and relaxed before, during, and after treatment. Excellent bedside manner is a guarantee at our practice for every member of the family, from the youngest member visiting the dentist for the first time to the oldest.

Fast Services with Short Wait Times & Speedy Response

Beautiful Smiles Dental Center minimizes wait time, so you’ll always be able to see a dentist as quickly as possible. Whether you’re visiting us for a routine dental check-up or a cosmetic treatment, you won’t have to wait long for an appointment with Dr. Milagros Gálvez. In emergencies, we strive to provide you with an appointment in the fastest time possible to reduce your pain and put the best treatment plan in place – you’ll always get a fast response from the Beautiful Smiles Dental team!

A Range of Dental Specialties

Dr. Milagros Gálvez doesn’t just specialize in one area of dentistry but offers an extensive range of services. On your next trip to Beautiful Smiles Dental Center, you’ll have access to many of the best dental treatments available and the latest techniques and equipment. Dr. Milagros Gálvez provides a large number of general dentistry and cosmetic dentistry treatments, as well as being a dental pain specialist.

Preventive Dentistry

Dental Check-ups
Oral Exams
X-Rays
Teeth Cleaning
Sealants
Fluoride Treatments

Restorative & Specialist Treatments

Cosmetic Dentistry

At Beautiful Smiles Dental Center, we treat the whole family, providing advanced restoration treatments, emergency procedures, effective cosmetic procedures, and regular maintenance check-ups to keep your smile looking perfect!

New Dental Patient – Exclusive Special Offers

Special Offers

Top Dentist Reviews in Gurnee, IL

We take great pride in the high-quality service that we offer our new and existing patients, which is why we’re happy to promote our exceptional reviews. Before your next visit to Beautiful Smiles Dental Center, you can check out some of the reviews on our website to give you a true insight into what patients think of us and what you should expect from the overall experience we provide.

Easy Dental Appointment Scheduling & Rapid Registration

From beginning to end, visiting Beautiful Smiles Dental Center is an easy and stress-free experience, starting with scheduling an appointment. For complete ease and convenience, you can book an appointment to see Dr. Milagros Gálvez straight from our website. You’ll be able to take a look at our appointment calendar, pick a date that works for you, and then choose a convenient time. You can also contact us directly on 847.249.5700 if you have any questions.

New patient registration is also an easy and fast process, where again you’ll find everything you need to register on our website. The new patient form covers essential information like your medical and dental history, contact information, and insurance details, which you can fill out and submit online.

Appointments

Booking an appointment only takes a couple of minutes and you’ll be able to select a time and date to fit your schedule from a number of options. We look forward to welcoming you on your next visit to the award-winning Beautiful Smiles Dental Center!

Book Online with Dr. Milagros Gálvez at Beautiful Smiles Dental Center

Now you know exactly what to expect from a visit to Beautiful Smiles Dental Center, there’s no better time to book an appointment online with Dr. Milagros Gálvez! With everything you need to book an appointment being easily accessible from our website, it couldn’t be simpler to schedule a consultation with us at a time that suits you.

Best and Worst foods for your Teeth & Gums

Great oral health starts with taking care of your teeth and gums with a good cleaning routine, but it doesn’t just end there! What you eat on a daily basis can have a profound effect on your oral health.

The right foods keep your teeth strong and your gums healthy, helping to prevent bad breath, and serious dental problems like gum disease. The wrong foods could result in poor tooth strength and difficulties fighting oral bacteria which can lead to tooth decay.

So, what should you be eating for healthy teeth and gums, and what should you be limiting to the occasional treat? Here are four examples of excellent foods for great oral health, and four examples of foods that could be doing more harm than good to your teeth and gums…

The Best Four Foods for Your Teeth & Gums

The good news is that there’s an abundance of foods that have amazing oral health benefits. A good diet for your teeth and gums certainly doesn’t have to be a boring diet, here are four top foods that you should definitely try to include to improve your oral health:

Cheese

Cheddar, gorgonzola, parmesan, edam… if you love indulging in a spot of cheese, then you’re in luck! Cheese is one of the best foods that you can eat for great oral health. Not only is the calcium in cheese great for keeping your teeth and bone healthy, but cheese is actually thought to increase and balance the pH levels in your mouth.

With the protein in cheese helping to balance the pH level, there’s less risk of acid causing oral problems, which can help to prevent tooth decay in the long run.

Apples

Fruit is a brilliant alternative to processed sweet foods, and there are few fruits that are better for your teeth and gums than apples. Naturally sweet, apples shouldn’t be overindulged in, but an apple a day can at least contribute to keeping the dentist away! The chewing involved in eating an apple can help to cleanse your mouth of bacteria, which is certainly beneficial for avoiding tooth problems, like decay. The unique texture of an apple also provides stimulation to the gums, and the high vitamin content contributes to healthier gums.

If apples are not at the top of your list of favorite foods, then other hard foods, like carrots or celery can have a similar result. Apples, carrots, and celery can all act as a natural toothbrush, helping to keep the mouth clean of food debris and teeth free of plaque.

Onions

Onions may not be as delicious of a snack as apples or cheese, but your teeth and gums will thank you for including a little raw onion in your diet. One of the main benefits of a healthy dose of onion is better overall oral health; this is thanks to the sulfur compounds in onions which can kill harmful bacteria in the mouth.

By adding onions to your diet, you can better manage oral bacteria, which helps to keep your gums healthy. With the great microbial properties of onions, you can lower the risk of developing gum disease and prevent cavities.

Leafy Greens

There are few ‘top food’ lists that you won’t find leafy greens on, and for good reason. Leafy greens, like spinach, cabbage and broccoli are packed full of nutrients; this is particularly the case with dark green vegetables which often contain high quantities of calcium (excellent for strong teeth), iron (iron deficiency can increase the risk of gum disease), and fiber (reduces the risk of tooth loss and bone loss).

Leafy greens can also help to stimulate saliva production which keeps your mouth free of food debris and plaque. By broadening your diet with these top four oral-friendly foods, you’ll soon be on your way to enjoying healthier teeth and gums!

The Worst Four Foods for Your Teeth & Gums

Not all foods are going to do your teeth and gums as much good as apples or cheese. A few select foods could contribute to serious oral health problems if they’re not consumed in moderation. Here are the four foods to avoid for healthy teeth and gums:

Bread

The first things that you associate bread with might not be tooth decay, gum disease or tooth loss, but they’re a very real risk if you consume bread too often without brushing your teeth immediately after. Bread is very high in starch, which once in the mouth and exposed to saliva, slowly breaks down to form sugar. The sugar will then start to feed bacteria in the mouth, which can lead to acid production; this in turn will start to break down tooth enamel. As bread easily gets stuck between your teeth, the impact it has on your dental health can cause major problems in the long term, like gum disease.

Potato Chips

Potato chips are another carbohydrate that can contribute to dental problems. The processed snack isn’t overly healthy to begin with, but the tendency of small pieces of chips to get stuck between your teeth make them particularly unhealthy for your mouth. Having food stuck between your teeth can cause bad breath, but more worryingly, it also attacks your teeth. The longer the chips spend in your mouth, the more damage they’ll do to your teeth and gums. Like bread, there’s also the risk of the starch in potato chips feeding the plaque on your teeth!

Ice

Adding ice to a cool beverage on a hot day isn’t going to do much damage to your oral health, but if you start biting down on the ice, then your teeth could be at risk. Very hard foods, like ice, can do serious damage to the enamel on your teeth. The short-term issue of enamel loss is increased susceptibility to tooth damage; the long-term result of chewing ice can be cracked and chipped teeth which will require an emergency trip to a dentist in Gurnee IL.

Citrus Fruits

It probably won’t come as much of a surprise that citrus fruits have made the top worst foods list. The high acid content of fruits like lemons, grapefruits, and limes can cause serious damage to your teeth. In the short term, citrus fruits can aggravate mouth sores and in the long term they can slowly erode away the enamel on your teeth, which can lead to severe tooth decay.

However, these fruits can also do a lot of good for your oral health. The high vitamin C content of fruits like oranges and pineapples mean that they come with a burst of anti-inflammatory properties. To manage the benefits of citrus fruits with the potential problems, it’s important to maintain other great oral health habits, like attending regular oral examinations & dental checkups.

Stay on Top of Your Dental Health with Dental Exams in Gurnee IL

If you’re worried about the impact of your diet on the health of your teeth, then attending regular dental exams in Gurnee IL, is the answer. The Beautiful Smiles Dental Center provides a range of preventative and restorative treatments that can help you to keep your teeth and gums healthy and looking and feeling great.

When you visit a Beautiful Smiles dentist in Gurnee, you can arrange for oral examinations & dental checkups with one of our resident dental experts or speak to a cosmetic dentist in Park City, IL. We can diagnose any problems that you may be having with your oral health, spot potential problems early to prevent serious issues, and advise you on the best ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy and problem-free.

By filling your diet with great oral-friendly foods, avoiding the worst foods and staying on top of your oral health with regular trips to your local dentist in Gurnee IL, you can keep your teeth and gums looking great on the outside and healthy on the inside!