Posted on

Back-to-School with Baby Teeth | Kenilworth Dentist

Now that summer is officially over, we need to turn our attention to a different type of schedule. Unfortunately, we don’t exactly live in a world that is in any way normal, so things like back-to-school routines are changing and it is our duty to adapt our family to the new norm. But there are some things that will never change, and your dental health is one of those things. Just because we are at home or behind a mask, doesn’t mean that we should neglect our smiles.

We may not exactly be attending school, but it is still a good idea to take the family to the dentist once summer is over, just to make sure all of the fun you’ve been having hadn’t done something harmful to your smile. On the day of your child’s visit, expect to have lots of opportunity to ask any questions you may have. The dentist will go over your child’s history and give you a crash course as to what you can expect in upcoming months. A thorough examination will take place in order for the dentist to be able to clearly distinguish any issues that may arise due to habits like thumb sucking, poor hygienic practice or diet. If stains are apparent, your dentist or hygienist may clean your child’s teeth and/or apply fluoride to prevent future cavities.

Once home, you can make your daily dental hygiene practices a family affair. Let your little ones choose their own soft-bristled toothbrush, pick a favorite family song to time your two-minute brushing time and do it together. Uncertain times doesn’t mean uncertain dental health.

For more information regarding pediatric dentistry, contact Drs. Freund and Waterloo today at 847-251-8990 or visit www.villagedentalpc.com.

Drs. Chad Freund and Cathy Waterloo proudly serves Kenilworth and all surrounding areas.

Posted on

When a Good Night’s Sleep Seems Impossible | Kenilworth Dentist

There is nothing better than getting a good night’s sleep. You wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day. So, when you don’t get that quality sleep on a regular basis, it can begin to affect various aspects of our lives. Poor sleep can cause loss of concentration, headaches and low energy, but it can also lead to increased rates of infection, cardiovascular problems, and hypertension. This is why it is important to get a sleep study done if your daily sleep intake isn’t what it should be in order to diagnose a treatment option.

During an overnight sleep study, doctors will record your airflow, heart rate, oxygen and brain activity to determine whether breathing is impacting your sleep. If a sleeping issue is diagnosed, treatment options are available. Various techniques can help with airflow, like lifestyle changes, medical devices, or surgery.

One anti-snoring device available is the Mandibular Advancement Device, or MAD. It will move your jaw and tongue forward and away from the back of your throat in order to prevent the blockage to your airways causing you to snore. There are three types of MAD devices: boil-and-bite, semi-custom and custom. The price will vary but investing in a custom-fitted MAD device will give the best results to your sleep issue.

It will take a minute to get used to it, but it is important to continue to use it until you get used to it. Some patients will find that the moving of the jaw can cause stiffness or soreness while you get used to things, but it will go away eventually. The important thing is that soon you will be having a good night’s sleep nightly.

For more information regarding Mandibular Advancement Devices, contact Drs. Freund and Waterloo today at 847-251-8990 or www.villagedentalpc.com.

Drs. Chad Freund and Cathy Waterloo proudly serves Kenilworth and all surrounding areas.