My Blog
Posts for: December, 2016

We’ve all experienced eating or drinking something hot enough to scald the inside of our mouths. But what if you regularly have a burning sensation but haven’t consumed anything hot to cause it? You may have a condition called burning mouth syndrome, or BMS.
In addition to the sensation of feeling scalded or burnt, BMS can also cause dryness, tingling and numbness, as well as a change or reduction in your sense of taste. You can feel these sensations generally in the mouth or from just a few areas: the lips, tongue, inside of the cheeks, gums, throat or the roof of the mouth.
The root cause of BMS isn’t always easy to pinpoint, but it seems related to systemic conditions like diabetes, nutrition or vitamin deficiencies and acid reflux; it’s also been known to accompany the use of irradiation or chemotherapy for cancer treatment or psychological problems. It seems to occur most often in women around the age of menopause and may be linked to hormonal changes.
To determine the best treatment course, we must first eliminate the possibility that another condition besides BMS may be causing your symptoms. Some medications (both prescription and over-the-counter) cause mouth dryness, which can irritate the inner linings of the mouth or contribute to yeast infection, either of which could result in similar symptoms to BMS. Allergic reactions to dental materials in dentures or toothpastes that contain sodium lauryl sulfate, whiteners or cinnamon flavor can cause irritation and skin peeling within the mouth.
If we’ve determined you have BMS, there are a number of strategies we can try to bring relief, like stopping or cutting back on habits that worsen dry mouth like smoking, alcohol or coffee consumption, or frequently eating hot or spicy foods. You should also drink water more frequently to keep your mouth moist, or use biotene or products containing the sweetener xylitol to promote saliva production. If mouth dryness is related to medication, you should speak with your physician or our office about alternatives.
In some cases, BMS resolves over time. In the mean time, though, promoting good saliva flow and reducing stress will go a long way toward diminishing this irritating condition.
If you would like more information on the causes and treatment of burning mouth syndrome, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Burning Mouth Syndrome.”

If you've lost a tooth, you have a number of options for replacing it. Perhaps the best choice in terms of lifelikeness and durability is a dental implant.
All implants have the same basic architecture: a titanium metal post imbedded in the jawbone to replace the root; and an abutment, a metal collar that links the post with a lifelike porcelain crown. But implants can vary in how the crown attaches to the abutment and post — either cemented to the abutment or screwed through the abutment to the post.
Either method will permanently secure the crown to the implant. But there are advantages and disadvantages for each.
A screw-retained crown may better facilitate any future repair that might be needed. For a skilled dentist it's a simple matter of removing the screw and then the crown from the abutment. There's less risk of damage to the implant during repairs or crown replacement. Many dentists also prefer screws for crowns placed at the same time they're installing the implant post (a procedure called immediate loading).
The screw access hole, however, could pose a cosmetic problem. Although we can cover it over with tooth-colored filling, it may still be noticeable and unattractive especially for a tooth visible when you smile (in the smile zone). There's also the possibility the porcelain around the access hole could chip.
By contrast, cemented crowns have a smooth, unbroken surface and are aesthetically ideal for smile zone teeth. But the cement could interact poorly with gum and bone tissue in some patients, causing inflammation and possible bone loss.
And unlike screw-retained crowns, cemented crowns are difficult to remove for implant repair. We may have to drill through the crown to access the screw between the abutment and the post, and then repair it cosmetically if we use the same crown. Again, the final result may not be quite as visually appealing.
In the end, it will depend on the implant's location, how your body reacts to the cement or your dentist's preference. In either case, though, you'll have a tooth replacement that's functional, life-like and able to endure for many years to come.
If you would like more information on dental implants, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “How Crowns Attach to Implants.”

A woman as gorgeous and funny as Sofia Vergara surely planned to be a model and actress from the get-go, right? Wrong! Sofia’s first career choice actually was to be… a dentist! That’s right, the sexy star of TV’s Modern Family actually was only two semesters shy of finishing a dental degree in her native Columbia when she traded dental school for the small screen. Still, dental health remains a top priority for the actress and her son, Manolo.
“I’m obsessed,” she recently told People magazine. “My son thinks I’m crazy because I make him do a cleaning every three months. I try to bribe the dentist to make him to do it sooner!”
That’s what we call a healthy obsession (teeth-cleaning, not bribery). And while coming in for a professional cleaning every three months may not be necessary for everyone, some people — especially those who are particularly susceptible to gum disease — may benefit from professional cleanings on a three-month schedule. In fact, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to having professional teeth cleanings — but everyone needs this beneficial procedure on a regular basis.
Even if you are meticulous about your daily oral hygiene routine at home, there are plenty of reasons for regular checkups. They include:
- Dental exam. Oral health problems such as tooth decay and gum disease are much easier — and less expensive — to treat in the earliest stages. You may not have symptoms of either disease early on, but we can spot the warning signs and take appropriate preventive or restorative measures.
- Oral cancer screening. Oral cancer is not just a concern of the middle aged and elderly — young adults can be affected as well (even those who do not smoke). The survival rate for this deadly disease goes up tremendously if it is detected quickly, and an oral cancer screening is part of every routine dental visit.
- Professional teeth cleaning. Calcified (hardened) dental plaque (tartar or calculus) can build up near the gum line over time — even if you brush and floss every day. These deposits can irritate your gums and create favorable conditions for tooth decay. You can’t remove tartar by flossing or brushing, but we can clear it away — and leave you with a bright, fresh-feeling smile!
So take a tip from Sofia Vergara, and don’t skimp on professional cleanings and checkups. If you want to know how often you should come in for routine dental checkups, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can learn more in the Dear Doctor articles “Dental Hygiene Visit” and “Dental Cleanings Using Ultrasonic Scalers.”
Advance Family Dental Care
Naperville, IL 60563

Our Blog
Archive:
- 2019
- January (7)
- 3 Reasons Why Your New Dentist Needs Your Treatment Records
- Improve Your Smile With Veneers
- 4 Ways to Check on Your Brushing and Flossing Effectiveness
- Singer Dua Lipa Sees the Wisdom in Postponing Tour Dates
- If You've had Joint Replacement, you may Need Antibiotics Before Dental Work
- Regenerating Lost Bone Can Make Dental Implants a Reality
- How we Treat your Jaw Pain Depends on the Cause
- 2018
- December (7)
- Bobby Bones Dances His Way to Dental Damage
- Manage Your Osteoporosis Medication to Avoid Jawbone Problems
- What Cosmetic Dentistry Can Do for You
- Stop Smoking to Reduce Your Risk of Gum Disease
- Keep Your Saliva Flowing - Your Oral Health Depends on it
- J-Lo's Unlucky Break: Chipping a Tooth on Stage
- Treatment Options to Keep Stress From Causing Dental Problems
- November (6)
- Avoid Implant Failure by Watching Out for These Mouth Problems
- Cracked Mouth Corners can be Irritating - Here's How to Treat Them
- Expert Advice: Vivica A. Fox on Kissing and Oral health
- TMD and Fibromyalgia Could Share Links in Chronic Pain
- Diabetes and Oral Health: True or False?
- Don't Let GERD Ruin Your Teeth's Health
- October (8)
- What is Teeth Whitening?
- NBC Star Delivers a Message about the "Perfect" Smile
- Baseball Fan Catches Her Own Knocked-Out Tooth
- 3 Reasons for Blood Pressure Checks During Dental Visits
- Not Crazy about Flossing? Try a Water Flosser
- A Different Kind of "Chip Shot" for Pro Golfer Danielle Kang
- Effective Dental Care Depends First on Getting the Big Picture
- The Versatility of Veneers
- September (6)
- Avoid These 4 Health Problems with One Simple Denture Practice
- We can Build up Lost Bone Before Your Implant
- Charlize Theron Back in Action After Dental Surgery
- Are You in the Know About Dental Crowns? Take our True or False Quiz
- Treating Teeth Grinding Now Could Help Prevent Excessive Tooth Wear Later
- Keep Up Good Dental Habits in College to Protect Your Teeth and Gums
- August (7)
- Vivica's Veneers: the Making of a Hollywood Smile
- Dental Bonding And Cosmetic Contouring Can Fix Minor Imperfections
- Three Things You May Not Know About Root Canal Treatments
- 5 Causes of Bad Breath and What You Can Do About It!
- Clear Aligners Provide a Less Embarrassing Orthodontic Choice for Teens
- Kathy Bates Plays It Smart With Professional Teeth Whitening
- 10 Tips to Tame Bad Breath
- July (9)
- Simplify Your Toothpaste Purchase by Looking for These Ingredients
- Ready for Summer Camp? Be Sure to Pack a Toothbrush
- 2.6 Million Fans 'Like' Justin Bieber's Chipped Tooth
- How Often Should I Visit My Dentist?
- Look at the Long-Term Costs When Considering Dental Implants
- Teenagers with Missing Teeth Usually Need a Temporary Restoration
- Signs You May Need a Root Canal
- Bonding with Composite Resins Ideal for Restoring Chipped Teeth
- Master Illusionist Benefits from the Magic of Orthodontics
- June (6)
- The Secret to Preventing Gum Disease - Control Bacterial Plaque
- Can an App Help You Brush Your Teeth?
- Why You Shouldn't Worry About the Mercury in Your Silver Fillings
- Dental Injury Is Just a Temporary Setback for Basketball Star Kevin Love
- June Is Men's Health Month
- Getting the Full Picture of Your Decay Risk Leads to Better Prevention Strategies
- May (7)
- Cosmetic Dentistry Remakes Your Smile
- What's Causing Your Throbbing Toothache?
- Are You Keeping Good Oral Hygiene Habits?
- Margot Robbie Knows: A Great Smile Is Worth Protecting
- Tooth Loss: A Health Risk for Older Adults
- Not a Fan of Using CPAP for Your Sleep Apnea? Consider an Oral Appliance
- Show Off Your Best Possible Smile
- March (6)
- Enhance Your Smile with Dental Veneers
- 3 Tips for Helping Your Kids Develop Great Tooth-Friendly Habits
- RPDs Offer Another Tooth Replacement Option for those on a Tight Budget
- A 4-Step Process for Achieving Your Highest Oral Health Possible
- Kris Dunn Is the Latest NBA Player to Injure His Teeth on the Court
- The Type of Tooth Pain You Have Could be Telling You What's Wrong
- 2017
- September (6)
- Porcelain Veneers: A Less Invasive Way to Transform Your Smile
- Know Your Toothpaste: How to Simplify Your Purchasing Decision
- Need a Root Canal?
- Baseball's Francisco Lindor Shines as "Mr. Smile"
- Your Next Dental Visit Might Save Your Life - Here's How
- Take Proactive Steps to Protect Your Oral Health During Cancer Treatment
- July (5)
- Include Limitations on Sugar in Your Tooth Decay Prevention Strategy
- Jamie Foxx Chips a Tooth - This Time by Accident!
- You'll Experience Little to No Discomfort During and After Implant Surgery
- Types of Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures
- Even with Mercury, Dental Amalgam is a Safe Choice for Tooth Filling
- May (6)
- 4 Reasons why Quitting Chewing Tobacco is Good for Your Oral Health
- Noah Galloway's Dentally Dangerous Dancing
- Stains from Within a Tooth Require Professional Whitening
- Straighten Your Smile Discreetly
- Dental Offices Uphold the Highest Standards for Infection Control
- We can Fix a Smile Marred by Absent Front Teeth
- April (6)
- Actress Emma Stone Reveals How Thumb Sucking Affected Her Teeth
- Tips on Encouraging Healthy Snacking While Your Child's at School
- Advancing Gum Disease Requires Thorough Treatment to Control it
- All Gum Disease Treatments Have the Same Goal - Removing Bacterial Plaque
- What Is Root Canal Therapy?
- Nancy O'Dell on Making Oral Hygiene Fun for Kids
- February (6)
- What are the Benefits of Dental Veneers?
- Fifth Harmony's Camila Cabello Chips a Tooth, but Concert Still "Worth It"
- Reduce Sugar Consumption - for a Healthier Mouth and Body
- Immediate Dentures Provide You With Teeth While Your Gums Heal
- You Should Brush and Floss Around Your Implant to Ensure its Longevity
- Dr. Travis Stork: If Only I'd Worn A Mouthguard!
- 2016
- November (6)
- Reduce Your Oral Cancer Risk with Better Diet and Lifestyle Choices
- Bitewing X-rays: Your Questions Answered
- What Dental Implants Could Do for You
- Even Though not in the "Smile Zone" You Should Replace that Back Tooth
- Any Time, Any Place: Cam Newton's Guide to Flossing
- Cleaning Your Oral Appliance Extends its Life and Ensures Good Health
- September (6)
- What You Need To Know About Root Canals
- A "Silent" Disease Gets Recognition
- Bitewing X-Rays Provide Early Detection of Tooth Decay in Back Teeth
- Dwight Howard: A Bright NBA Star With a Smile to Match
- Artificial Sweeteners can Boost your Dental Health
- Patchy Discolorations on the Tongue Aren't a Cause for Worry
- August (5)
- Minimally Invasive Dentistry: A New Approach to Preventing and Treating Decay
- Jimmy Fallon Can’t Catch a Break - Except in His Tooth
- What Your Toothache Could Be Telling You About Your Smile
- Local Anesthesia Eliminates Pain Completely During Dental Work
- Diet and Lifestyle Choices Key to Dental Health During College Years
- July (7)
- Clear Aligners Reduce Risk for Developing Gum Disease Better than Braces
- Straighten Your Teeth Without Hiding Your Smile
- Even Celebrities Like Jennifer Lawrence Aren't Immune From Bad Breath!
- Am I a Good Candidate for Dental Implants?
- The Time Interval to Replant a Knocked Out Tooth Can Affect its Longevity
- Why You Should Consider Cosmetic Dentistry
- That Small Mouth Sore is Likely Nothing - but Still Have it Checked
- June (6)
- Do Your Dentures and Mouth a Favor: Take Them Out at Night
- Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures To Improve Your Smile
- Johnny's Teeth Aren't Rotten Any More
- Monitoring Blood Pressure is Also Important During Dental Care
- Treating a "Gummy" Smile Starts with Finding out the Cause
- Oral Irrigation can be an Effective Alternative to Traditional Flossing
- May (6)
- Neil Patrick Harris: What the Oscars Host Treasures Most
- Your Teenager may need to Wait on an Implant for a Missing Tooth
- A Straighter Smile Doesn't Mean A Mouth Full Of Metal
- Prudent Use of X-Rays in Children Provides the most Benefit at the Lowest Risk
- Find Out Why You or Your Partner Snores - it may be Sleep Apnea
- Jason Derulo's Ideal Match
- March (6)
- Eden Sher and the Lost Retainer
- Regular Screenings Could Help With Early Oral Cancer Detection
- Address Your Teeth Grinding Habit Early to Avoid Potential Tooth Loss
- Persistent Jaw Pain After an Injury Needs Immediate Attention
- FAQs About Teeth Whitening
- Game, Set, Match: Milos Raonic Says A Mouthguard Helps Him Win
- January (6)
- Dental Implants and Diabetes
- Gaining a New Attractive Smile is More than Achievable
- Know the Risks and Benefits for Same-Day Tooth Replacement
- How Bonding Can Help Fix Minor Imperfections in Your Smile
- Why Ignoring a Missing Tooth Could Be Bad News For Your Jaw
- Tom Hanks' Abscessed Tooth Gets Cast Away
- 2015
- December (6)
- Put an End to Bad Oral Habits to Slow the Rate of Tooth Wear
- More Than a new Smile - Dental Implants Help Stop Bone Loss as Well
- Things you Should Know about Oral Cancer
- The Different Parts of a Dental Implant
- Ariana Grande Breaks Free - of Her Wisdom Teeth
- Treating Dry Mouth is Important for Maintaining Good Oral Health
- July (7)
- Limiting Refined Sugar in Your Diet can Reduce Risk of Tooth Decay
- Lamar Odom Rebounds From Dental Anxiety
- There are Various Ways to Treat Sensitivity - Depending on its Cause
- Keep an Eye on your Gums to Catch Disease Early
- How Scaling and Root Planing Saves Teeth?
- Veneers Whiten Teeth in a Snap
- Extracting Wisdom Teeth Now May Prevent Dental Problems Later
- April (7)
- Take a Lesson From Hockey Player Mike Bossy
- How Cosmetic Dentistry Can Change Your Smile For the Better
- Bad Breath — Discovering The Causes & Treatments
- Diagnodent Laser Diagnostic Scanning
- Taking the Right Steps to Prevent Early Tooth Decay in Children
- Your Guide to Whiter Teeth
- Are mouthguards important? Just ask Fitness Expert Jillian Michaels
- 2014
- December (6)
- Sugar Substitutes: Sweeter for Tooth Health
- Understanding the Benefits - and Limitations - of Dental Insurance
- Anchorage Devices can add Stability During Orthodontic Treatment
- Cosmetic Dentistry and the Urban Legend
- Your Smile Should Be Your Number One Priority
- Ultrasonic Scalers can Effectively Clean Most Patients' Gum Tissues
- September (7)
- Tooth-Colored Fillings: True or False
- Removing Bacterial Plaque is Critical to Halting Advancing Gum Disease
- All-On-4®: The Perfect Solution for Missing Teeth
- Encountering Positive Experiences the Key to Overcoming Dental Anxiety
- Kristi Yamaguchi's Braces Helped Give Her a Winning Smile
- What Cosmetic Option Would Best Improve Your Smile?
- Bone Grafting can put Implants Back on Your Options List
- 2013
- December (6)
- The Top 5 Things to Know About Orthodontic Retainers
- Cancer Treatment and Oral Health: What You Should Know
- Quitting the Smoking Habit Could Vastly Improve Your Dental Health
- Top Three Reasons Invisalign is the Clear Choice in Naperville
- Giuliana Rancic Prepares for Her Son's First Dental Visit
- Assessing and Treating your Risk for Tooth Decay can Prevent Future Occurrences
- October (5)
- Tooth Pain During Pressure Changes Could Be Warning of a Bigger Problem
- New Cone Beam Scanning Surpasses Standard X-Rays for Accuracy and Detail
- How The Biggest Loser Star Jillian Michaels Keeps Her Winning Smile
- Giving a Knocked Out Tooth a Second Chance
- Oral Piercing Can Lead to Problems With Your Teeth and Gums
- 2012
- November (5)
- End Your Fears and Relax with Oral Sedation Dentistry
- 7 FAQs About Impacted Wisdom Teeth
- Stabilizing Your New Smile: Answering Your Questions about Orthodontic Retainers
- TV Designer Nate Berkus Is Thankful for Childhood Preventive Dental Treatments
- Not Just Filling in the Gaps: Lost Teeth Have Unexpected Consequences
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