Have you been enjoying one of your favorite foods in Park City, IL, and suddenly feel a sudden jolt of pain in one or multiple teeth? Tooth sensitivity is common, affecting one out of every eight Americans. The enamel may be eroded, or the gums have receded, and the dentin layer of the tooth is exposed. When this happens, almost everything that touches the affected tooth causes unbearable pain.

Dental Treatments For Teeth Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is a signal that something is wrong. It may be due to various reasons, such as bacteria build up in a cracked tooth or periodontal disease. Issues such as enamel erosion are caused by different factors, including

Acidic foods and drinks
Teeth grinding
Cracked teeth

When you are experiencing sensitivity in your teeth, you need to contact a professional right away. Dental specialists at Beautiful Smiles Dental Center will diagnose the issue and provide a solution right away, relieving you of the pain that is keeping you from enjoying your day. While getting help from a dentist is the best option, there are a few things you can do on your own before visiting the clinic!

1. Stop Over Brushing and/or Get a New Brush

Did you know that one of the things that are causing your sensitive teeth might actually be the one thing you rely on to keep your tooth clean and your smile bright? It’s true that you should be brushing at least twice a day, once in the morning and once at night, but you may be brushing too hard, or your toothbrush might have harsh bristles.

The primary thing to do is ask Beautiful Smiles Dental Center where to find a dentist-recommended toothbrush. They are designed to keep the user’s teeth clean with soft bristles that don’t harm the teeth. Once you have your new brush, carefully brush your teeth without applying too much pressure. Over-brushing can lead to tooth decay and cutting the gums, exposing the root of the teeth.

2. Apply Fluoride Toothpaste to the Affected Area

Before heading to the supermarket to get the toothpaste that tastes the best, you need to consider whether or not it’s right for your sensitive teeth. While many different kinds of toothpaste may offer the most desirable flavors, they often include different ingredients that irritate the exposed tooth. Sensitive toothpaste certified by dentists will help fortify the enamel and protect your dentin. With fewer ingredients that harm the exposed nerves on the teeth, a sensitive toothpaste rich in fluoride will continue to protect the tooth and alleviate discomfort.

3. Make a Salt Water Mouthwash

Are you experiencing unbearable pain in your teeth and need a quick solution before heading to the dentist for treatment? Then try this easy at-home hack that reduces tooth sensitivity quickly. Simple salt and water mouthwash may be the answer that you need. The saltwater balances the pH levels inside the mouth, creating an environment that reduces bacterial growth. As an added bonus, plaque build-up is stopped in its tracks. Make sure to use this solution once in the morning and once in the evening until the sensitivity improves. Here is what to do:

Warm a glass of water
Add a teaspoon of salt into the water and mix
Carefully gargle the solution for 30 seconds, ensuring not to swallow any of the water.

4. Garlic is Not Only Great in Food

While you may have some garlic lying around for your next dish, we strongly recommend using it when you have a sensitive tooth. Garlic contains beneficial compounds that maintain good oral health. One of these compounds that are so valuable is allicin. This is a pain-relieving and antibacterial compound that reduces bacteria.

Slice the garlic into small pieces and apply it directly to the affected tooth. To make it a little bit more bearable, create a paste by combining water with a few drops of water and a half teaspoon of salt. Once the paste is ready, apply it directly to the area. It should be left on for about ten minutes and repeated twice a day. It may leave you with a stinky breath, but your tooth will feel so much better.

If any of the treatments mentioned above don’t work, here’s how your dental specialist at Beautiful Smiles Dental Center will help:

Professional Teeth Cleanings in Gurnee (Park City, IL)

The answer to your pain may be a thorough and professional tooth cleaning. While we recommend our patients to come in at least twice a year for a cleaning, you can trust in this service to stop your discomfort. Proper dental hygiene is essential no matter how old you are, and due to a variety of different reasons, bacteria will cause your teeth to erode and your gums to recess.

A tooth cleaning at Beautiful Smiles Dental Center will remove any harmful bacteria and clean spaces that you can’t reach with your toothbrush or floss. As a family-focused dental clinic, we will ensure to book you and your family while working around everyone’s schedule. Contact Beautiful Smiles Dental Center for your biannual tooth cleaning today.

Fluoride Varnish Application

This is an extremely concentrated fluoride that your dentist will apply to the surface of the affected teeth, so it acts as a type of topical fluoride therapy. At Beautiful Smiles Dental Center, our specialists use high-quality fluoride varnish that strengthens the enamel and helps conceal the exposed dentin. Once our specialists examine your teeth, fluoride varnish will be applied to the affected tooth.

Tooth Filling

One of the main causes of tooth sensitivity is tooth decay. This erosion will cause the bacteria to enter the tooth and induce horrible pain and sensitivity to anything that touches it. Dental Fillings in Park City, IL, will conceal the exposed roof and help prevent the decay from spreading. Beautiful Smiles Dental Center provides the best dental filling treatments in Park City, IL. We use a high-grade cosmetic or tooth-colored filling that matches the rest of your teeth.

Contact Beautiful Smiles Dental Center To Relieve Tooth Sensitivity in Gurnee / Park City, IL

Tooth sensitivity will ruin your day and keep you up at night, causing both mental and physical harm to the entire body. Don’t let tooth pain control your life, and find the solution you need at Beautiful Smiles Dental Center. Contact us today or visit our clinic; get directions here.

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Oral cancer may not be something that you hear too often, but it is a severe illness that affects over 54,010 adults in the United States. Beautiful Smiles is the first line of defense in the fight to prevent oral cancer in those living in Gurnee (Park City, IL) and the surrounding Chicagoland area. Prevention of oral cancer and detecting it at an early stage is of crucial importance to our doctors and our patients. Luckily, when detected early, the 5-year survival rate for all people is 85%.

Avoid the Extreme Dangers of Oral Cancer

At Beautiful Smiles Dental, our number one goal is to inform patients about the risks that they have not only to their oral health but that of their entire body as well. That is why we want to educate our patients about the ways they can avoid the extreme dangers of oral cancer and the steps they can take to evade the hardship battle that comes with it. Keep reading to learn more about oral cancer and how you can save yourself and your family from a lifetime of suffering.

Are you Concerned About Oral Cancer? Get Checked in Gurnee Today!

Oral cancer screenings are the number one way to assess your oral health and ensure that you are not affected by this terrible illness. At Beautiful Smiles, we look for any signs of abnormal tissue. We typically see visual cues during our screenings such as:

Red and white bumps
Rough patches
Hard to explain position changes in the teeth
Hard lumps

Watching your Overall Intake of Alcohol

Enjoying a few beers or the occasional glass of wine isn’t going to be a severe risk factor to your oral health. However, those who consume alcohol regularly on a daily basis are at a heightened risk. While paired with smoking, alcohol the two are associated with approximately 75% of upper aerodigestive tract cancers. It’s critical to remember that most alcohols are filled with high amounts of sugar, something that not only poses a risk of you developing oral cancer but can also lead to tooth loss and gum disease. While you don’t cut the occasional drink completely out, watch out for over-consumption of alcoholic beverages.

Stay Away from Smoking, Including Electronic Cigarettes

The CDC calculates tobacco use generates 5 million deaths worldwide. While no product containing nicotine or tobacco is safe, the use of cigarettes, cigars and E-cigarettes have been one of the leading causes of oral cancer in the world. The chemicals used in these products directly change the cells in the mouth, leading to the development of oral cancer.

Overexposure to the Sun

Unknown to many, but taking in too much exposure to direct sunlight may put a patient at serious risk of developing oral cancer. Sunlight is the primary source of UV light. Therefore, cancers of the lip are more common in people who have outdoor jobs who are exposed to sunlight for long periods of time. If you work every single day outdoors or like to spend a lot of time at the beach, just like any other part of your body, make sure that you are protected at all times. This includes putting on the appropriate amount of sunscreen and wearing clothes that block the UV radiation, especially when partaking in activities outdoors.

What are the Signs & Symptoms of Oral Cancer?

Dr. Galvez – Your Locally Trusted Dentist in Park City, IL Wants to Let You Know…

When we hear about cancer, we usually think about other parts of the body and don’t think about the fact that our mouth can also be affected by this life-altering illness. We know getting screened for oral cancer seems scary, but it’s the only way that you can know for sure if you are at risk. As we mentioned above, early detection is critical to survival.

Our expert team of dental, oral health professionals in Gurnee (Park City, IL) highly recommend that anyone over the age of 20 gets screened for oral cancer every 2 or 3 years, while those over 40 get screened annually. Oral cancer includes the back of the throat and the mouth with a wide array of signs and symptoms. While checking for the signs is essential, the only way to honestly know if you are suffering from oral cancer is to visit a dental professional regularly. Some of the common signs of oral cancer include:

A mouth or lip sore that won’t go away.
A white, reddish, or black discoloration in the gums.
A growth or lump develops inside the mouth.
Mouth pain.
Loose teeth.
Difficult or painful swallowing or chewing, persisting for more than two weeks.
Persistent painful cough.
Unexplained weight loss.

When you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, contact Beautiful Smiles Dental Center immediately so we can perform a detailed diagnosis and provide you with a personalized treatment plan. The only way to avoid oral cancer is to listen to the advice and knowledge of your dentist.

Getting Treated for Oral Cancer By Dental Specialists in Gurnee & Park City, IL

When you are diagnosed with oral cancer, your dentist at Beautiful Smiles Dental Center will evaluate the stage in which it’s in. The treatment procedure will depend on the stage of oral cancer you are in, outlining the importance of just how vital constant screenings are. If diagnosed with oral cancer, our team will be by your side, doing whatever possible to ensure that you beat it with as much support as possible.

Contact Beautiful Smiles Dental Center to Schedule an Advanced Oral Cancer Screening & Examination

At Beautiful Smiles Dental Center, we genuinely care about the oral health of each of our patients and take the time to personally care for each of our dental patients, no matter their oral concerns or issues.

Come in today, get screened, and speak with Dr. Galvez about any dental or oral problems that you may have. Our highly-qualified dental team is always here for you!

Contact us today to ensure that your oral health is better than ever! Get directions, (HERE) to our oral screening clinic conveniently located in Gurnee – (Park City, IL).

Perio Protect – Custom Dental Trays

Gum Disease Treatment & Prevention

Gum Disease is an aggressive condition that affects millions of adult Americans. A chronic type that affects the jawbones around the teeth is known as Adult Periodontitis. This disease not only results in the loss of teeth, but it may also be quite disfiguring of the jaws as well. There is Juvenile Periodontitis that affects younger teens entering puberty.

Oral bacteria communities (Biofilm) are known to build up beneath the gum line. Manual and rotary toothbrushes, floss and mouthwash, occasionally only have a limited impact on the issue at hand.

The bacteria communities are difficult to see, hard to reach, and require a Dentist or a Dental Hygienist to help identify the communities of bacteria and remove it from the mouth, determine its presence and remove it.

Signs that you may have Periodontal Disease are:

Bleeding Gums
Unexplained Gaps between teeth
Swollen gum tissue
Bad Breath
Receding Gums
Loose Teeth

The Dilemma of Periodontal Disease

Once you leave the Dentist, you feel incredible, especially when you have a new electric toothbrush waiting at home for you. After a day or two of a nice glowing smile and fresh feel, it seems to go away. But why? Then you start to think if your Dentist let you down or your hygienist didn’t give you the proper steps to take while being at home? Or even did you do something wrong?

Don’t worry; the culprit is in the areas between your teeth and inside the gum tissue, its name; Biofilm. At-home care methods are not going to be effective the way that you want them to. Proper dental hygiene, even perfect dental hygiene, can not be enough. At-home dental care only cleans up to 2-3mm, while Biofilm can stick around in pockets 3mm and deeper.

You aren’t going to be able to clean those pockets until your next cleaning at the Dentist, so what are you going to do?

Well, luckily, there is a way to keep your teeth and gums free from Biofilm and make your clean, glowing smile last longer: Here’s how!

What is Perio Tray Therapy?

Did you know that according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)? Gum disease is often preventable through oral hygiene and dental treatment. One handy and recommended at-home option to treat and prevent gum disease is Perio Tray® therapy by Perio Protect. With care and proper attention, this treatment can help prevent and control gum disease. Perio Tray Therapy delivers antimicrobial medication to hard-to-reach places in the gums where infections are typically prevalent. Perio Tray therapy is one of the leading treatments to fight back against gum disease. These game-changing trays deliver antimicrobial medications between dental visits. Perio trays help prevent and treat infections all of the time, so you don’t have to keep going back to the Dentist every month.

How Do I Use My Perio Project Tray?

Though your Dentist at Beautiful Smiles Dental Center will show you exactly how to use your trays, here is a little recap!

FIRST: You will have to fill your tray with Perio Gel medication. You won’t have to use too much; for these trays, a little gel goes a long way!

SECOND: You will put the tray in your mouth; they will cover the top and bottom teeth. You will wear them one to four times a day for 10 to 15 minutes each time. During your dental visit, before using Perio Trays, your Beautiful Smiles Dental Center Dentist will assess the condition of your gums and give you a treatment plan designed for your specific case.

THIRD: Make sure to keep a healthy dental hygiene routine. Just because these trays play a significant role in treating gum health doesn’t mean that you can stop brushing your teeth and flossing. In the morning and evening, make sure to always give those pearly whites a cleaning.

Perio Tray therapy does require a prescription due to the medication that is used to treat your gums. In addition, your trays are customized to fit your mouth; they need to be fit, snug, and fitted by a dentist. The tight fit helps ensure that the medication is doing its job properly and going directly to the gums and not escape and into their mouth.

If you correctly use Perio Trays, you can protect your gums and keep them healthy. Reduce inflammation, and stop your gums from bleeding while brushing and flossing. Keep your gums healthier, cleaner, and fresher with Perio Tray Therapy at Beautiful Smiles Dental Center. When a new revolutionary treatment comes out, it is normal to think of reasons not to get it, but with Perio Trays, there is no downside to them. Perio Tray therapy is an incredible process that benefits everyone who uses it. Anyone who wishes to get rid of bacteria in the mouth and increase their gum health, then Perio Trays are the number one go-to option.

Perio Protect Trays Benefit You Overall Health

Perio Trays at Beautiful Smiles Dental Center in Gurnee, IL can benefit your overall health tremendously. Did you know that your oral health is directly created with your overall health? Gum disease is linked to a host of conditions and health concerns, and by using Perio Tray therapy, you can reduce your risk of dementia, heart disease, diabetes, and different types of cancer.

Everyone needs to have healthy gums, and they can with Beautiful Smiles Dental Center and Perio Tray Therapy. Contact Us HERE & during your next visit to the clinic, talk to your Dentist about Perio Tray Therapy. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it can ensure that your teeth and gums stay happy, healthy, and fresh. Are you ready to get rid of gross bacteria communities and trade them for Perio Protect – Custom Dental Trays?

Everyone around the world wishes to have the brightest, most gorgeous smile out there but often find themselves asking what the best way to achieve it is. Professional teeth whitening is the gold standard of brighter smiles but does at home do it yourself (DIY) whitening kits have the same effect as if you were to go to a dentist?

About 32% of people say that they’re extremely concerned about the look of their teeth and often find themselves hiding their teeth in photos. At Beautiful Smiles Dental Center, we want you to be happy and proud of your smile, but we also want you to do so safely. When it comes to your Beautiful Smile teeth whitening options, you can either come to the dental clinic or do it your own, but which of these two are more effective and safe?

Differences Between Teeth Whitening & Teeth Cleaning

It is easy to confuse teeth cleaning with teeth whitening because they are both done for a brighter, healthier smile. Both procedures enhance self-esteem and promote good oral health and hygiene. Though these are similarities, they are completely different treatments. The significant difference between the two is that teeth cleaning is designed to remove plaque and tartar, while teeth cleaning is meant to remove stains and yellowness to create a brighter smile. Other differences are:

Time

The difference of times for achieving a bright white smile is drastically different between at-home whitening and at the dentist. When you go to Beautiful Smiles Dental Center, you may spend 1 to 2 hours, but you leave with teeth at least 8 shades whiter. DIY teeth whitening takes at least 1-2 hours a day for a week, and the shade is only 4-6 shades whiter.

Longevity

Since a professional cleaning targets deeper below the surface than at-home kits, they tend to last longer.

Causes of Discolored Teeth

Over time it is natural for there to be a change in the color of the teeth. There are a variety of different factors that can cause this; some of the culprits are the following:

What You Eat and Drink

Your diet plays a huge role in the color of your teeth. If you are eating or drinking sweets, coffee, and red wine in excess, their deep color pigments can attach to the enamel in your teeth, causing severe discoloration and staining. Try to limit the amount of these foods you are eating, brush at least twice a day, and you should be good!

Tobacco Use

Nicotine and tar are the main chemicals in all tobacco products, so it is understandable why it has a serious effect on the look of teeth. If you are a heavy smoker, the nicotine mixed with oxygen produces a yellow substance that coats the teeth.

Age

Sometimes no matter what you do, your teeth naturally become a little bit yellower over time. Below tooth enamel is dentin, which is yellowish in nature. As you age, the dentin becomes a little bit more visible, taking away from the regular whiteness.

DIY Teeth Whitening Facts

Fact #1: Natural whitening techniques are always better

The best way to maintain a sparkling smile is to prevent staining your teeth

Brush your teeth twice a day
Use an ADA approved whitening toothpaste
Floss your teeth once a day
Don’t drink too much coffee, tea, and red wine
Don’t smoke or use tobacco
Regular dental checkups and cleanings

Fact #2: Teeth whitening methods such as using lemon and baking soda are dangerous

A 2008 study found lemon juice is corrosive to tooth enamel. So though it may give you a brighter smile for a period of time, it is actually worsening the condition and health of your smile.

Fact#3: DIY Tooth whitening kits are less expensive

Yes, tooth whitening kits are less expensive, but is it worth it? DIY teeth whitening kits take more time and require to be applied more often.

Dangers of DIY Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening can be done safely and still be effective, but using the wrong kit or the wrong method can lead to permanent and persistent tooth damage. Not only are whitening kits sold over the counter and require no medical prescriptions, but they are also done without the help of a dentist. When done at home, you run the risk of

Tooth sensitivity
Softening the surface of the teeth
Gum irritation
Damage to tooth restoration
Undesirable shading

Book an appointment by contacting Beautiful Smiles Dental Center for exceptional, highly reviewed teeth whitening services in Gurnee, IL.

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Comfort & trust are important factors, when it comes to high-quality dentistry, a familiar face who knows each member of your family and establishes a connection with both the kids and the adults. Familiarity with a dentist helps infants, children, and teens become more relaxed when it’s time for checkups, cleanings, or procedures. The greatest advantage of family dental care in Gurnee, IL is the natural solution it provides while saving time and money.

When Should my Child Start Visiting the Dentist?

Being a parent is one of the toughest but rewarding jobs that one person can have, and all of the planning and care can be overwhelming. Parents have to take many factors into account to ensure the health and well-being of their children, and that includes their teeth. One of the common questions asked by parents is when they should first start taking their children to the dentist, well we have the answer.

A very common misconception across the United States is that you should wait at least two years because it is dangerous if you go too soon. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) suggests that a child’s first trip to the dentist should be no more than one year, and as soon as six months. The primary teeth usually begin to grow around six months, and as soon as they do, you should bring them in to get ahead of their health.

Why Is It Important For Children To Visit The Dentist Early?

Unfortunately, too many people don’t bring their children into their dentist soon enough, and it can lead to further problems. As mentioned above, a child’s primary teeth can come in as early as six months, taking care of these teeth are extremely important, reasons being:

It develops their chewing patterns, which helps with good nutrition
It saves up space for permanent teeth
It helps with speech development

If you are expecting or have just had a child, do not hesitate to book an appointment with Beautiful Smiles to ensure your children’s teeth’ proper development and health as they grow older. For any questions, contact us today.

Gurnee Dental Care for Infants

At Beautiful Smiles, we take the best care when treating all of our patients, and our dentists are highly trained in treating all ages, including infants. They are extra sensitive, and we handle your infant with nothing but care and safety, walking you through each thing that we do.

After checkups, our dentists will go through any kind of dental care that you need to perform at home; this could include teeth brushing and tips and tricks so that you can perform dental care and keep your infant comfortable at all times. Inside and outside of the office, should you have any questions regarding your infant’s dental care, contact us.

The Ease Of A Family Dentist In Gurnee

A trouble that many families undergo as their children grow older is switching and finding different dentists. This can lead to longer commutes, busier days going from dentist to dentist, and difficulty planning appointments. A family dentist, especially at Beautiful Smiles, helps make all of those problems go away while being your all in one dentist for each of your children (and the parents).

A family dentist allows you to create a connection with the dentist, plan all appointments in one day, and make your life simpler and easier. At the same time, your children can become familiar with who is doing the work on their teeth and not dread a trip to the clinic as they would with new dentists. Our family dentist will be there with you as your children grow!

Best Dental Practices for Toddlers and Children at Home

Let’s face it; the dentist isn’t exactly everyone’s favorite place, so anything that you can do to keep your toddlers and children from constant visits is always one of the best options. Dental care for toddlers and children can be tricky, as they won’t be too fond of it, but here are a few things that you should do:

Ensure that they brush and floss their teeth at least twice a day, once in the morning and once at night (If they are very young, assist them).
Limit the consumption of sugary foods and drinks such as candy, juices, etc.
Get them in the routine of taking care of their teeth at a young age; it will help them as teens and during adulthood.
As parents, practice your dental care with them so that they feel inspired to do so.

Dentistry for Teens & Young Adults

Most parents know the teen years present unique and unpredictable challenges. When it comes to your teen’s dental health, rapid changes seem to happen almost daily. It is important to install the idea that dental care and trips to the dentists are not bad but a good thing so that when they are teens, young adults, or adults with a family, they continue to carry that importance, especially when they are on their own!

Advantages of Invisalign for Teens

Invisalign is a substitute for braces; it is a clear, light, and natural-looking plastic that fits around your teeth and does the same job as braces would. Depending on your teen’s specific case, Invisalign holds numerous advantages.

A Natural Look

Instead of having those bulky metal brackets that a lot of older generations understand the pain of having, Invisalign is almost unnoticeable and leaves those wearing it with a natural look. Confidence is key, especially when you are a teenager.

Easily Removable

When wearing braces, you can’t just pop them out and put them back in, but with Invisalign, you can! Though it is not recommended to remove it for extended periods of time, this easy option is so that you don’t have to limit the things you do or eat, like you would with braces.

No Discomfort

Braces can be somewhat uncomfortable when you eat, sleep, do exercise, etc. Invisalign Clear Braces provides a nature look & feel. If you have any further questions regarding Family Dental Services, feel free to contact us or set up an appointment. We at Beautiful Smiles are always here to support our community and provide an experience like no other dental office in the Chicagoland Area offers. Start your journey to a cleaner, brighter, and healthier smile today!

Schedule Online Meetings with Dr. Galvez – Available Now!

Unfortunately, due to the Coronavirus pandemic, we at Beautiful Smiles Dental Center have decided to temporarily close our doors. We perfectly understand that dental problems do not just take a break during these difficult times, but for the safety of our staff and our clients, for the time being, we are taking action and doing our part to support the quarantine and flatten the curve. Beautiful Smiles Dental Center upholds a strong code, and that is to never leave a patient behind. Though for right now, we cannot see you in person, don’t think that is going to stop us from trying our absolute best to keep on providing you with the care that you deserve, it will just be in a different way.

Keep on reading to see exactly what we are doing to help you with any dental issues that you may be having…

Staying at home can be difficult, especially when you feel like you need to get out or have a specific problem. However, we all need to do our part in making sure that this virus doesn’t keep on spreading so that we can get back to our normal healthy lives and continue doing the things we love.

We never want to stop providing our services and are always looking at different options to reach out to our patients in a way that is easy and accessible for them. At Beautiful Smiles, we hate seeing our patients in discomfort, and that is why we are going to do our best in giving professional help from the comfort of your home.

TeleDentistry: Virtual Online Meetings, How it Works…

Dr. Galvez is now offering online meetings where we can give you the recommended advice to help ease any pain or dental problems that you are going through.

This means that we are now going to be offering online consultations so that while you stay at home, you can remain comfortable and happy while we get through this pandemic together! All you need is a list of your concerns and an internet connection, it is that easy.

Virtual Dentistry Consultation Meetings: Have Your Dental Questions Ready & Book Now!

To better serve the public; our very own Dr. Galvez has now set up a schedule for online consultations available for all past and new patients. Ask Dr. Galvez your oral questions!

Simply select an available day and time and start your journey to getting the professional advice that you deserve. Each virtual online meeting consists of a 30 minute, one-on-one, dentistry consultation. Book with Dr. Galvez HERE to schedule your appointment.

Dental Care – How We Can Help Now

During your appointment with Dr. Galvez, you will have a one on one session where you can explain precisely what is bothering you. Depending on your exact dental problem and where it is located, Dr. Galvez will give you the best possible advice that she can given the current extenuating circumstances. Don’t worry, feel free to get close to the camera and show those pearly whites so that we can get a decent idea of what exactly the problem is and what you can do to be more comfortable.

Beautiful Smiles Dental would enjoy nothing more than to continue seeing your beautiful smiles every day in-person, but right now, online consultations are the best that we can do to continue providing information and care to our patients.

Though we cannot fix any problems directly over the camera (even though we really wish we could) these online consultations do provide numerous benefits, such as:

➢ Providing tips that help ease those suffering from dental pain

➢ Answering any questions and or concerns that you may have

➢ A personal one on one call with a highly trained professional

➢ An appointment that works around your schedule

➢ Getting a head start on booking your appointment for when we return to the clinic

Get Dental Advice From Your Home Today with with Dr. Galvez at Beautiful Smiles Dental Center

As we continue through these unprecedented times, all we can do is stand together. Though these days can seem to be difficult, especially when dealing with dental pain, we are always going to be in your corner giving you the best possible care that we can while you are at home. We miss all of our patients and we sincerely hope that everyone is and continues to be healthy and safe as we navigate these uncharted waters together. Remember, for any dental needs; you can count on everyone here at Beautiful Smiles to always be there for you when you need it most. Serving you is of the utmost importance, so book your consultation today.

Oral Cancer Screenings

Cancer is one of the world’s deadliest diseases: per year in the United States, 439.2 people in every 100,000 are diagnosed with a form of cancer, and each year 163.5 people per 100,000 die from the disease. More than 50,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer alone every single year.

Oral cancer includes cancers of the cheeks, tongue, lips, palate, throat, sinuses, gums, and floor of the mouth. Like other types of cancer, oral cancer can be deadly if it isn’t diagnosed quickly. For a quick diagnosis, oral cancer screenings are of paramount importance.

We’ve going to take a closer look at oral cancer and cancer screenings, to show you the importance of staying one step ahead of oral cancer and getting screened for the potentially deadly disease on a regular basis.

Identify Mouth Cancer Early

Oral cancer screenings are a very simple process where a dentist checks the mouth for any signs that cancer or precancerous signs are present. This exam can also be performed by a doctor.

The main goal and greatest benefit of oral cancer screenings is to identify oral cancer as early as possible. The sooner that cancer is diagnosed, the greater the chances are that it can be cured.

When a dentist identifies the presence of cancer or signs of precancerous lesions, monitoring and treatment can begin immediately. The dentist may request that the patient returns for a second appointment shortly after the screening to check for developments and arrange a biopsy to test for cancer.

Early identification of cancer opens the door to a much greater variety of treatment options, which is much better in every regard for the patient. When oral cancer is diagnosed early, the survival rate is extremely high.

Screenings Starting at High School Age

Oral cancer is most common in people over the age of 55, with the average age of oral cancer diagnosis being 62. Two-thirds of all oral cancer cases are in patients over 55, of which the vast majority are men – the disease is twice as prevalent in males as it is in females.

While oral cancer isn’t common in younger people, it’s still possible to contract oral cancer at a very young age. Around 1 in 8 cases of oral cancer affect people under the age of 50, which is still a large number.

Due to the potential of getting oral cancer early in life, it’s important to attend screenings as soon as they’re available. For high school students, college students and beyond, oral cancer screenings are available and should be attended!

Oropharyngeal Cancer / Throat Cancer

For people who smoke tobacco or have a history of smoking, it’s even more important to attend an oral cancer screening at a local dental clinic. Smoking is one of the factors that can increase the risk of developing oropharyngeal cancer, or throat cancer.

Oropharyngeal cancer develops behind the mouth in the center of the throat (pharynx), where cancer cells will begin to grow in the throat tissue. Signs that a person has oropharyngeal cancer include ear pain, weight loss, soreness, difficulty swallowing and coughing blood.

Cancer screenings are incredibly important for identifying this type of cancer so it can be diagnosed and treated without delay.

Increase in Oral Cancer Cases

Now more than ever before it’s important to visit your local dentist for an oral cancer screening. It’s estimated that 53,000 individuals will be diagnosed with oropharyngeal or oral cancer in the US in 2019, and there will be a total of 10,860 deaths from oral cancer in the same year.

The number of oropharyngeal cancer cases that are connected to HPV infections are rising in the US. There are also increases in the rates of mouth cancer cases elsewhere in the world. In the UK, rates of mouth cancer per 100,000 people rose by 32% for men and 33% for women between 2002 and 2012.

How Often Should You Have an Oral Cancer Screening?

Compared to some other types of cancer, oral cancers have a particularly high death rate. The death rate is thought to be so high because oral cancer is often discovered at a late stage. This is something that regular oral cancer screenings can help to combat.

For oral cancer diagnosed early on, there’s an 84% survival rate over 5 years, compared to an average 5-year survival rate of 65%: these statistics highlight how important it is to visit a dentist regularly for checks.

The recommended regularity of oral cancer screenings is every 3 years, although this increases to every year for people aged 40+. Different dentists may make different recommendations, all depending on the patient. If a person notices any signs of oral cancer during a self exam – which should be conducted around once every month – then they should contact their dentist without delay.

Oral Cancer Screening Process & What to Expect

Oral cancer screenings are a fairly quick and painless procedure that a dentist can perform during a standard dental checkup. The process involves the dentist checking for signs of unusually colored sores and patches, lumps, spots and abnormalities inside the mouth.

The dentist will also check a person’s lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, chin, jaw and the roof and back of their throat. The main goal is to find anything abnormal. Overall, the process should take no more than around 5 minutes.

To help with the examination, a dentist may also use a screening dye which can dye certain cells in the mouth blue or a screening light that highlights abnormal tissue.

Oral Cancer Screenings at Beautiful Smiles Dental Center

You don’t need to travel far or take much time out of your day to have an oral cancer screening, visit Beautiful Smiles Dental Center for the screening.

Beautiful Smiles Dental Center specializes in preventive, cosmetic, and emergency dental services. You can visit our dental practice in Gurnee, IL for oral exams, cancer screenings and all the dental services that you need to maintain a bright and healthy smile.