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Oral health is extremely important for many reasons. If patients suffer from gum disease, cavities, or bad breath this can cause issues with your teeth and mouth. Our mouths are a pathway for bacteria to enter the body. The bacteria are able to enter the blood stream, and this can also cause infection or inflammation in other parts of our body.

Taking good care of your teeth and mouth can keep your body healthy, and can also help avoid serious issues in the future. At Gentle Touch Dental Care in St Charles, IL, we encourage our patients to practice good oral hygiene habits at home. We also promote overall health and wellness. Our team cares about each patient, and keeping up with your oral health not only can keep your teeth and mouth feeling great, but your body feeling great also.

What Problems Can Occur From Poor Oral Health?

Respiratory Infections

If you have infected or inflamed gums that bacteria can transfer into the lungs. This can lead to respiratory infections, pneumonia, or even bronchitis.

Dementia

Inflamed gums can release substances that are harmful to our brain cells. This can lead to memory loss that is a result of bacteria spreading to the nerves.

Cardiovascular Disease

If you have poor oral health you are at risk for cardiovascular disease. The bacteria from the infected gums enters the bloodstream, and can cause the arteries to build up plaque. This can put you at risk for a heart attack.

Prostate Problems

If men suffer from periodontal disease they may have prostatitis. This condition causes irritation and other prostate related problems.

Diabetes

Diabetics are more likely to have infected gums over those that do not have diabetes. This can make diabetes difficult to control due to unregulated blood sugar levels. Gum disease can lead to higher blood sugar levels and this can put a person at risk for developing diabetes.

Infertility

Poor oral health and infertility in women are linked. If a woman suffers from gum disease this can lead to issues with infertility, and may make it difficult for a woman to conceive or have a healthy pregnancy.

Cancer

Poor oral health can put patients at risk for kidney cancer, pancreatic cancer, or blood cancer. In addition if patients smoke or use tobacco products this can lead to oral or throat cancers.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

People who have gum disease are more likely to have Rheumatoid Arthritis. The bacteria in our mouths can increase inflammation in the body, and this increases the risk for developing Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Kidney Disease

Kidney disease is a health problem that affects the kidneys, heart, bones, and blood pressure. Periodontal disease can lead to kidney disease. Patients with gum disease typically have weaker immune systems, and this can make them susceptible to infection. Many patients that have poor oral health also have kidney disease, and this can lead to kidney failure if not treated.

How Can I Prevent These Health Issues?

In order to prevent serious health issues caused by bad oral health habits you must take care of your oral health. Scheduling regular dental exams in our office can help keep your teeth and gums clean, and get in front of any issues before they arise. Dr. Maria Galdiano’s friendly St. Charles dental team always put our patients first, and complete a thorough exam of your teeth and mouth to ensure everything is looking and feeling great. If we do have concerns, we will discuss those with you and develop a customized treatment plan to take care of any issues right away.

Tips for Good Oral Hygiene

  • Brush and floss your teeth daily
  • Avoid smoking or using any tobacco products
  • Use mouthwash that contains fluoride
  • Try and stay away from food and drinks that contain lots of sugar
  • Eat a well-balanced diet
  • Exercise and take care of your overall health

If you take care of your oral health, you take care of your body. Good oral hygiene can help prevent problems such as gingivitis or periodontal disease, as well as prevent more serious health issues in your body.

Looking for a Family Dentist Near You?

At Gentle Touch Dental Care, we provide the highest level of dental care for patients of all ages. We welcome all new patients, and use state of the art technology to ensure our patients have an exceptional experience when visiting our office. If you are looking for a dentist near you, contact our dental office in St. Charles, IL to schedule your next dental exam and our friendly staff will be happy to assist you!

Apnea

Sleep apnea is one of the most common sleep-related disorders in the world affecting millions of people. It can be caused by being overweight, obese or by smoking or having a jaw deformity. Obstructive sleep apnea simply refers to the soft tissues at the back of the mouth and throat blocking the airway. This causes the patient to wake up frequently during the night because of short cessations in their breathing.

What is Mild to Moderate Sleep Apnea?

Mild or moderate sleep apnea refers to the condition during its early stages or when it isn’t as bad as someone who has severe sleep apnea. However, even with mild to moderate sleep apnea, treatment can be beneficial and can help to prevent the condition from getting worse. Sleep apnea, regardless of how severe, has been linked to many health disorders, such as heart disease and type two diabetes. It prevents you from getting a good night of sleep, which can cause you to feel lethargic and exhausted throughout the day. You may find it difficult to keep up with your children and friends, and it may even get in the way of how you function at work.

Is Treatment Necessary?

Even with mild to moderate sleep apnea, treatment is necessary and can do wonders for your physical and mental health. If you’ve been forgoing treatment because you assume that you’ll need to wear a large and bulky CPAP machine, there are other options available to you. Treatment involves opening up the upper airway while you sleep, which can have beneficial effects when it comes to the way that you’re sleeping each night. You’ll experience fewer disturbances throughout the night, and you won’t have the loud snoring that you and your loved ones have become accustomed to hearing.

What Does Treatment Entail?

Treatment of mild to moderate sleep apnea involves creating a simple oral device that fits comfortably in the mouth. This device is custom made for you, so it’s comfortable and fits perfectly. The device works by opening the upper airway while it’s worn, which allows you to breathe easier each and every night. Rather than wearing a large CPAP machine, this machine helps you to breathe on your own and rectifies the problem with obstructive sleep apnea.

Looking for a Dentist Near You?

If you’re currently suffering from mild to moderate sleep apnea, call our office today to speak with one of our trained and knowledgeable team members for more information on treatment.

Feature Image 3 Dental Implants

When deciding on a restorative solution it is important to look at all of your options to help you decide on the best option that works for you. A common question patients face is if they should choose a dental bridge or dental implants when they are looking for a tooth replacement solution. Both are restorative solutions for missing teeth, and it is helpful to understand the differences. At Gentle Touch Dental Care, we provide our patients with a thorough consultation to examine their teeth & mouth and will discuss the differences between all of the restorative options available. Our staff works closely with our patients to help choose the best dental restoration in St. Charles, IL.

What Is a Dental Bridge?

A dental bridge is a fixed restoration that fills the gap created by one or more missing teeth. Bridges are anchored to one or more neighboring teeth also known as abutment teeth. Bridges can be supported by natural teeth or by dental implants. The false teeth are in-between and are called pontics.

How Do Dental Bridges Work?

During your first appointment at our dental office in St. Charles, IL we prepare the neighboring teeth. The preparation for a bridge involves removing part of the enamel to allow room for the crown. The crowns are placed over the neighboring teeth. Impressions of your teeth are taken to make the bridge in the lab, and temporary bridges are used while you wait for your permanent bridge.

Patients return to the office, and we remove the temporary bridge to prepare for the permanent bridge. The new bridge is installed, and we check to make sure the bridge is comfortable, and the perfect fit. Patients may have to return to our office again to ensure the bridge is working well with your bite. Once we know the bridge fits properly we will cement the bridge in place.

How Long Will Dental Bridges Last?

Dental bridges last around 10-15 years. Bridges do involve using some of your natural teeth, and this can cause your bridge to fail over time. The teeth around the bridge are still vulnerable to decay and disease which can attribute to the life of the bridge. Patients must practice good oral hygiene habits at home to keep the bridge and surrounding teeth clean. Dr. Helen Chan, our dentist in St. Charles, IL recommend brushing twice a day and flossing to ensure you carefully clean around both the false and natural teeth. Visiting our office regularly can help to keep your teeth clean, and your bridge looking and feeling great.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Bridges?

  • Surgery is not required
  • Dental bridges tend to be less costly compared to implants
  • Jawbone density is not an issue with bridges
  • Overall the bridge procedure is less invasive compared to dental implants

What Are Dental Implants?

Implants are a permanent solution for patients that have missing, broken, or damaged teeth. They are durable, and act similar to a screw that is placed into the jawbone. The screw acts like an artificial tooth root, and provides a strong base for one or more artificial teeth. Implants require a healing period to give the implant time to fuse to the jawbone. This process allows the implant to function just like a natural tooth.

How Do Dental Implants Work?

Dental implants require multiple appointments in our dental clinic in St Charles, IL, and the process takes a few months. The first step involves placing the implant into the patient’s jawbone. Once this is done there is a healing period where we must give the implant time to fuse to the jawbone. This process is known as osseointegration.

Part of our implant evaluation process is to determine if the patient has adequate bone in the jaw to support the implants. If needed, bone grafting can be done to give patients the bone required to provide the necessary support. Once the healing process is complete the patient returns to our office, and an abutment or connector is placed on top of the implants. This allows the crown to be secured to the implant. Custom crowns are made to match the size, shape, and color of your natural teeth. Temporary crowns may be used while patients wait for the permanent crowns to be installed.

How Long Will Dental Implants Last?

Dental implants are durable and last upwards of 25 years, or a lifetime if they are cared for properly. Implants are built out of titanium, and provide patients with a permanent solution for missing teeth. Caring for dental implants is like caring for natural teeth, and Dr. Chan recommends practicing good oral hygiene habits at home to keep your implants looking and feeling great.

What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?

  • Dental implants are long lasting, and are a permanent restorative solution
  • Easy to care for
  • Implants function like natural teeth
  • Chewing power is restored with dental implants
  • Speech and overall appearance are improved
  • Patients can eat all the foods they normally would with implants
  • Dental Implants tend to cost more, but are a good investment because they are built to last
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Looking for a Dentist to Provide Dental Implants or Dental Bridges Near You?

Choosing the best restorative option is a big decision, and our team is here to help. Our consultation process will answer all of your questions, and we will discuss what option may work best for you. We want our patients to be proud of their smile, and our team works to give patients the highest level of care. At Gentle Touch Dental Care, we welcome our patients in a comfortable and relaxing environment using state of the art technology. Creating beautiful smiles is what we do, and we take pride in giving patients a smile they can be proud of.

If you are interested in finding out more about your restorative options such as dental implants or dental bridges, please contact Dr. Helen Chan in St. Charles, IL today to schedule your consultation.

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Switching dentists can be a hard decision, but patients need to make a change if they notice things aren’t working out with the current practice. Knowing when to make the move can be hard, but there are some tips you can follow to help you find your new dental office or dental clinic in the St Charles, IL.

There are signs you can look out for that indicate it may be time to start your search to find your next dental practice. At Gentle Touch Dental Care,  we welcome new patients to our practice, and strive to provide exceptional service to patients of all ages. We know how important finding the right dentist is, and we go above and beyond to provide the highest level of service and care for our patients!

What Are Some Signs That Indicate it May Be Time to Switch Dental Practices?

  • Your dentist has retired or moved
  • You have decided to move away from the area
  • Appointments tend to be at inconvenient times
  • Getting to your dentist is difficult, and the practice may be in an inconvenient location
  • The practice does not offer the dental procedures you need
  • Your friends or family have recommended another practice that sounds like it may be a better fit
  • You have had to call the billing department and dispute charges multiple times
  • Your dental insurance has changed
  • You do not feel comfortable with the recommended treatment plan at your current dentist
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Gentle Touch Dental Care is equipped with the latest tech in St. Charles!

How Should I Go About Switching Dentists?

Once you have made the decision to switch dentists you can focus on finding your new practice. Making sure the new dentist is a good fit is important, and there are many things to consider. Think about what type of dental practice you would like for you and your family. Would a family practice work better and if so, make sure the new practice can provide all of the necessary services for your entire family. Research if the practice offers orthodontics if you have teenagers, should you need that type of treatment. This will help to eliminate the need for switching dentists again in the future.

Do your research and check out some online reviews to read about the dentist’s certifications or background. Read about the mission statement to understand the practice values, and how the practice is run. Make sure the facility is updated, and has the latest technology and advanced procedures available.

Once you have done your research and have found a dentist you think may be a good fit, schedule a visit to check out the practice. This way you can see firsthand if you are comfortable, and if your family would benefit from joining the practice. 


When visiting the office take mental notes of important things such as how you are treated during your visit, and how long it takes you to get to and from the practice. Ask the staff if you can have a tour of the office to ensure the practice meets your expectations.

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Looking for a quality Dentist Near You?

If you are looking for a family friendly dentist near you, contact Dr. Helen Chan for your next dental cleaning. Our goal is to provide exceptional service in a family friendly environment. Our staff is available to answer any questions you may have, and we welcome all new patients to our office.

If you are interested in scheduling your next dental cleaning with us, please contact Gentle Touch Dental Care in St Charles, IL, and one of our staff members will be happy to assist you.

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Dental cleanings are integral part of our oral health, and are typically recommended twice a year. Keeping our teeth and gums free and clear of harmful bacteria is important. At Gentle Touch Dental Care, our team is proud to offer general dental treatments like dental cleanings in St Charles, IL. We strive to provide quality services for our patients, and always make sure our patients are relaxed and comfortable during their visit.

However, some patients have asked us if having their teeth cleaned regularly can damage the enamel on our teeth. We hope that this article can help address this common concern.

Can Dental Cleanings Damage Enamel?

Dental cleanings do not damage the enamel on your teeth! Cleanings safely remove the plaque and bacteria that builds up over time on the teeth and under the gums. If teeth are not cleaned regularly inflammation can occur, and this can lead to gum disease. Brushing at home is a great way to remove bacteria from the teeth, but brushing cannot clean our teeth like a professional cleaning. Our certified hygienists provide quality cleanings to keep your teeth and mouth healthy.

If teeth are cleaned improperly at home or by a non-professional, damage can occur to the enamel. Enamel is extremely durable, and it is hard to chip or damage during cleaning exams. Enamel can wear off if patients suffer from bruxism, or use harsh brushing strokes while brushing their teeth at home. Acidic foods or drinks can also cause erosion to enamel on our teeth.

If you have concerns about the condition of the enamel on your teeth, please let our team know when you schedule your appointment.
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What Should I Expect During my Cleaning Appointment?

Dental cleanings in our office typically take anywhere from 30-45 minutes. X-rays are taken if needed, and carefully reviewed during your exam to help our team to provide a customized treatment plan for each patient. Our skilled hygienists use special tools to carefully remove the hard layer of plaque from a patient’s teeth, and we ensure your mouth is free of any plaque or bacteria. Our staff will discuss the health of your teeth and gums, and will recommend further treatment if needed.

Your oral health is extremely important to us, and we encourage our patients to keep up with regularly scheduled dental cleanings to keep their teeth looking and feeling great. Regular dental cleanings are a great way to prevent future issues. Dental exams give us the opportunity to catch any potential issues early, and prevent serious issues from developing.

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Looking for a quality Dentist in St Charles, IL for your next Dental Exam?

If you are looking for a family friendly dentist in St. Charles, IL, contact Dr. Helen Chan for your next dental cleaning. Our goal is to provide exceptional service in a family friendly environment. Our staff is available to answer any questions you may have, and we welcome all new patients to our office.

If you are interested in scheduling your next dental cleaning with us, please contact Gentle Touch Dental Care, and one of our staff members will be happy to assist you.

Feature Image 2 Veneers

Dental Veneers and Dental Implants both can give patients a beautiful white smile. Deciding what restorative or cosmetic option works best for you depends on the condition of your teeth. Our staff at Gentle Touch Dental Care in St. Charles, IL provides cosmetic and restorative consultations to all our patients to take a detailed look at your mouth and determine a customized treatment plan that works for you. We listen to your goals and look at all options to give you the opportunity to choose the best one.

So, what is the difference between the two? Typically, Dental Veneers and Dental Implants are used for different reasons. This all depends on how much damage a patient has to their teeth.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental Implants are the leading restorative solution for many patients and one of the most common procedures done today. Implants are permanent and reliable giving patients the feeling that they have natural teeth. Implants are used for patients that have lost a tooth or teeth, have suffered from periodontal disease, or an injury. Dental implants take multiple appointments across a few months to complete.

Implants last upwards of 25 years or a lifetime if taken care for properly. They provide many benefits to patients, and are comfortable in the mouth. Implants allow patients to speak, eat, and function just like they would with natural teeth.

As part of our evaluation process, Dr. Helen Chan will determine if the patient has enough bone present in the jaw to support the implants. If needed, bone grafting can be done to provide the additional support. During the implant procedure metal posts are placed in the jaw, and these act similar to artificial tooth roots. These posts provide the required support needed for the implants. Once the healing process is complete, an abutment or connector is secured on top of the implants. This allows the crown to be secured on top of the implant.

Crowns are custom made to match the color, size, and shape of your teeth. Temporary crowns are used while the patient waits for the permanent crown to be placed. Practicing good oral hygiene habits and visiting our office regularly will help to keep your implants looking and feeling great.

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Still Not Sure? Contact Our Cosmetic Dentist in St Charles, Illinois

Choosing the best option is important, and our team at Gentle Touch Dental is here to help give you all of the options available to achieve that bright white smile. We welcome all patients, and strive to always provide quality service our patients can count on.

If you are interested in finding out more about Dental Veneers or are looking to get dental implants in St Charles, IL, please contact Dr. Helen Chan to schedule your consultation.

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Pyorrhea or Periodontitis is a severe and advanced stage of a gum disease called Gingivitis. Gingivitis is a gum disease of relatively less intensity. During that, Gingiva becomes red and swollen. Gingiva is that part of the gum which surrounds the teeth’s base. If Gingivitis is ignored and neglected, it can worsen the condition and further lead to inflammation and infection that causes Pyorrhea.

Pyorrhea is a silent disease as its patient cannot feel significant symptoms for a long time. So, it is better to see a dentist if the minor swelling remains even after basic home remedies. Failing to do so can only worsen the situation as in Pyorrhea, the patient’s gums leave their place in the tooth cervix, which can lead to the loss of teeth.

Treatment Of Pyorrhea

Gingivitis, an initial stage of Pyorrhea

Initially, the patient’s gums become red and swollen and are often accompanied by minor bleeding. This condition is known as Gingivitis and is usually painless. A person with Gingivitis can have bad breath and taste. There can be many causes of Gingivitis. It can be commonly found in people who don’t take good care of their oral hygiene, smoke a lot and don’t brush their teeth properly. These habits often lead to a gradual formation of tartar and accumulation of plaque and hence inviting diseases like Gingivitis and Pyorrhea. Hormonal changes and some diseases like diabetes and leukaemia can also become the cause of Gingivitis in some cases. It only worsens if it is not treated immediately. Worst can be that the dentist will strongly advise you to get your affected tooth removed.

Pyorrhea: Causes and treatment

The most common cause of Pyorrhea is negligence. The patient cannot feel pain; hence it keeps on growing silently and then surprises you. People often consider strong brushing as the cause of bleeding, and the actual condition gets hidden. Not fulfilling the requirement of a few vitamins and minerals can also lead to Pyorrhea and can have a serious blow on the immune system. Genetic predisposition and a few kinds of cardiac medications can also increase the risk for someone to be diagnosed with Pyorrhea.

Regular polishing and scaling of teeth can become helpful in treating Pyorrhea, as it removes the tough tartar and prevents plaque from being trapped inside. Also brushing your teeth properly and regularly can prevent from Pyorrhea happening in the first place. Dentists sometimes also advise surgeries if the condition gets worse. But usually, one can follow these tips discussed above to prevent themselves from being a victim of Pyorrhea.

For Patients Who Are Missing One

If you’re currently missing one or more of your teeth, you may be looking for a way to transform your smile without compromising any more of your natural teeth. Rather than wear a partial denture, an implant can be placed to work on its own. Implants are designed to replace the root system as well as the crown of a missing tooth. This allows the implant to act as a foundation for other types of restorations, like crowns and bridges. Some patients will even use multiple implants to hold their denture in place, preventing the need for adhesive strips or gels.

If You’re Currently Missing One Or

Understanding the Technology Behind Implants

Implants are often made out of surgical-safe titanium. This titanium has been used in other procedures and prosthetics for many years. During surgery, the implant’s post is inserted into the jawbone and given time to heal. The healing process takes anywhere from three to six months. During this time, the implant undergoes a process known as osseointegration, which means that it will fuse naturally with the jawbone. This ensures that it is a solid and stable part of your smile for life.

Understanding The Technology Behind Implants

Who is a Good Candidate for Implants?

Because implants need healthy, solid bone to fuse with during the recovery process, patients should be free of any areas of bone loss where the implant is needed. To determine if you have bone loss, we’ll take x-rays and perform an examination. If it’s found that you do have bone loss, it is important to consider having a bone grafting done prior to the implants being placed into the jawbone. This can prevent the implant from becoming loose, which may cause it to fail over time. However, it is important to remember that the majority of our patients who want or even need a new implant can safely have the procedure done without needing additional surgeries or treatments.

What Can Be Expected During the Implant Procedure?

The procedure involves carefully inserted and embedding an implant into the jawbone. While the implant is healing, you will come in for regular checkup visits. We can check on the new implant to make sure that it is healing properly. Once fused with the bone, we will make a restoration that fits perfectly over the top of the new implant.

If you would like to learn more about how implant technology works, call us today so that we can help to answer any and all of your questions.

Most Implants Are Made Out Of Titanium

For patients who are missing one or more of their natural teeth, new technologies have come along to help replace what they’re missing. Dental implants work on their own, preventing the need for a partial denture or fixed bridge. The implant replaces both the roots as well as the upper crown of a missing tooth. You can benefit from a full, healthy and restored smile that will last you for years to come.

For Patients Who Are Missing One

What are Implants?

Most implants are made out of titanium, which is a durable and highly resilient material used in surgical procedures. The titanium implant’s post is embedded deep into the jawbone. It is given time to fuse and bond with the bone during a process that is known as osseointegration. Once fused, a crown or bridge can be made to be placed over the very top of the implant. Some patients even use multiple implants to hold a denture in place for a more secure and stable fit.

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How Long Will an Implant Last?

The reason implants are a go-to option for many who are looking to restore their smiles is because they last for decades. In fact, most patients who have older implants have had them for 30 to 40 years without experiencing any problems. The implant itself is a restoration that you simply will not have to worry about once it has been given some time to heal. The process of osseointegration of the implant can take anywhere from three to six months. Once the implant has healed, you can feel confident that is will last you for a lifetime without needing repairs or total replacement.

Ways for Your to Maintain New Implants

The best way for you to maintain a new implant is with proper oral hygiene and regular trips into the dentist. Bone loss can loosen and cause damage to the implant itself. Because gum disease can lead to bone loss, preventing the disease with regular brushing and flossing is an absolute must. You should also make it a habit to come into the office every six months for a checkup visit. This allows us to check on the implant to ensure that it is still stable and strong underneath the gums.

If you would like to learn more about dental implants, call our office today and we can get you in for a quick and convenient consultation appointment.