Acid in your mouth? Sounds scary! When we talk about acid, we aren’t talking about the type of acid you’d find in, say, a mad scientist’s lab or in James Bond’s deadly acid fountain pen. Citric acid, lactic acid, and stomach acid are the most common culprits in the erosion of your tooth enamel. The most common sources of these acids, then, are your diet and your own stomach. Hydrochloric acid they aren’t, but these acids are nonetheless capable of affecting the appearance, health, and structure of your teeth. How can acid lead to the need for tooth repairs in Park Ridge, IL, and which foods contain the highest acidity? Dr. Loukas weighs in.

Common Types and Sources of Acid

In patients who have acid reflux or symptoms of GERD, a small amount of stomach acid travels upward into the throat and mouth. Acid damage is also common in the mouths of patients who have been diagnosed with bulimia, as well as among those who have a medical condition that causes frequent vomiting.

Citric acid is found naturally in citrus fruits and juices, including lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruits. This type of acid, along with phosphoric acid, is found in abundance in carbonated beverages. Other sources of citric acid include berries, tomatoes, and pineapples. Citric acid is also used as a stabilizer in fruit jams, dairy products, and meats.

Lactic acid is a by-product of our body’s conversion of carbohydrates into energy, a process that begins almost immediately after introducing the food to your mouth. Foods and beverages linked to lactic acid include dairy products, wine, pickled vegetables, and even sourdough bread.

Early Consequences of Acid Exposure to Your Teeth

Some effects of acid on your teeth are subtle and difficult to detect in early stages of erosion. These telltale signs include sensitivity to heat and cold, and occasionally a sensitivity to very sweet foods and liquids. You may also notice that your teeth appear slightly yellow, which occurs when the layer of yellow-ish dentin beneath the tooth enamel is gradually exposed. This is dangerous, says Dr. Loukas, because many patients assume that this discoloration reflects poorly on their brushing habits. They then brush their teeth more aggressively, which only speeds up the erosion of enamel. Your teeth may also take on a more rounded appearance as the enamel wears increasingly thin.

Dangers of Advanced Acid Erosion

Failure to identify and seek treatment for the aforementioned symptoms could ultimately cost you your teeth, requiring teeth replacement in the form of dental implants, a dental bridge, or even removable dentures. Sensitivity and discoloration become more severe, and the edges of your teeth may develop cracks or a ragged appearance. If you have fillings, they may appear to “rise up” from the tooth as the surrounding enamel wears away. Look closely at the chewing surfaces of your teeth, and you may notice small pits and dents.

Do your teeth show signs of acid erosion? To learn more about restorative dentistry in Park Ridge, IL, or to schedule an appointment with Drs. Thanasi and Maria Loukas, contact us at (847) 696-1919. We welcome patients living in and around Park Ridge, Chicago, and the 60068 zip code.

Thyroid disease, a disorder that affects an estimated 30 million Americans, is best known for its effects on hormone levels in your body. The condition, which is more prevalent in females, poses a greater threat to those who are older and have a family history of thyroid problems. Dr. Thanasi Loukas of Park Ridge Dental explains why dental exams in Park Ridge, IL are especially important for patients who have been diagnose with thyroid problems.

How Does Thyroid Disease Impact Oral Health?

Your thyroid plays an important role in your body’s ability to heal following an injury or infection, making you more susceptible to gum disease. In an otherwise healthy individual who has gingivitis, the gums are able to regenerate to some degree. At this point, it is possible to treat the infection while reversing any damage caused by gingivitis. The longer you wait to seek treatment for gum disease, the more likely you are to develop periodontitis, a more severe infection capable of causing irreversible damage to your gums and other connective tissue. Periodontal disease also happens to be the leading cause of tooth loss among adults, an effect compounded in thyroid patients.

During your dental exam, Dr. Loukas will examine your mouth for signs of gingivitis and advanced gum disease. If the disease has progressed, he may recommend scaling and root planing along with more frequent professional cleanings.

Macroglossia, or an enlarged tongue, occurs more frequently among thyroid patients. The severity varies from one person to another, with the most dramatic cases interfering with the ability to speak or swallow food. If you develop an enlarged tongue, you are also more likely to experience sleep disturbances caused by difficulty breathing. Snoring or breathing through your mouth during sleep causes your mouth to become dry.

Xerostomia, another name for dry mouth, is common in individuals who have problems regulating their hormone levels. Because your mouth relies on saliva to remineralize your teeth, neutralize acids, and prevent plaque buildup, you become significantly more likely to battle tooth decay and periodontal disease. Over-the-counter saliva substitutes are an excellent option, or you can opt for products that are specially formulated for dry mouth. Dr. Loukas can recommend a suitable product during your exam.

Adults and Children May Be Affected

While the majority of thyroid patients are adults, the condition can also affect children. Accelerated dental eruption is the most common oral health symptom related to thyroid problems. Because the permanent teeth erupt prematurely, they do not develop naturally. As a result, these teeth may not be fully formed, or they may be prone to cracks and breakage. Cavities are more likely, too.

Questions about medical conditions and oral health? To learn more about how your medical background affects your teeth and gums, or to schedule an appointment with Drs. Thanasi and Maria Loukas, contact our Park Ridge, IL general dentist office at (847) 696-1919. We welcome patients living in Chicago, Park Ridge, and the surrounding areas.

It’s no secret that the in-flight meal is among the least glamorous aspects of air travel. What most travelers don’t realize, however, is that the food itself may not actually be to blame. The real culprit? Your sense of taste. Park Ridge, IL dentist, Dr. Thanasi Loukas, shares fascinating facts about your sense of taste, oral health, and the secret behind oft-maligned airline cuisine.

Common Causes of Dysgeusia

A number of habits and health conditions have been known to cause dysgeusia, or taste disorders. Most produce this symptom only temporarily, although there are exceptions. Smoking tobacco, especially using a pipe, is among the most common causes of taste changes. Many ex-smokers report that several months or even years pass before they fully regain their full sense of taste. Certain medications, including those used to treat infections, cancer, heart disease, and psychiatric conditions, list short-term dysgeusia as a potential side effect. Taste may also be altered in patients with severe dry mouth, which usually occurs either as a symptom or a side effect. Migraines, diabetes, thyroid disease, and even depression can affect your ability to taste. Less common causes include damaged taste nerves, Bell’s palsy, and laryngeal surgery.

When Should You Be Concerned?

If you develop a change in taste not explained by the factors listed above, Dr. Loukas recommends scheduling an appointment. Dysgeusia is a symptom of several oral health conditions, many of which require professional intervention such as antibiotic treatment, tooth extraction, or restorative dentistry. These include:

• Periodontal disease: A severe infection affecting the gums and connective tissue holding your teeth in place. Without treatment, gum disease ultimately leads to permanent loss of teeth and bone. Other symptoms may include bleeding gums, gum tissue that appears red, shiny, and inflamed, and persistent bad breath.
• Dental abscess:  A pocket or collection of pus that occurs as the result of a bacterial infection within the tooth. An abscess may be accompanied by swelling and pain.
• Oral thrush: A yeast infection affecting the inside of the mouth and the tongue surface. Telltale symptoms include white, raised lesions within the mouth, itching, and slight bleeding in affected areas.

Now, About That Airline Food

The human tongue boasts between 3,000-10,000 individual taste buds, arranged in a pattern as uniquely identifiable to you as your fingerprints. Your ability to taste depends on these tiny nodes, but it also requires contributions from your sense of smell. When you travel by air, several factors combine to alter your sense of taste and smell. First, the humidity within the cabin is considerably lower. At high altitudes, your taste buds can no longer perceive saltiness or sweetness as keenly as before—about 30 percent less than usual. Mucus membranes in your nose swell, and pressure in the cabin renders odor molecules less volatile. Another theory holds that background noise—in this case, the sound of the aircraft engines—diminishes ability to perceive sweetness and saltiness. That said, the same “bland” dish eaten at 35,000 feet in the air would most likely taste over-seasoned if eaten at sea level!

A healthy smile is always in good taste. To learn more about preventive, cosmetic, or restorative dentistry options, or to schedule an appointment with Drs. Maria and Thanasi Loukas, contact our Park Ridge, IL dentist office at (847) 696-1919. We welcome patients living in Park Ridge, Chicago, and the surrounding areas.

Dental implant retained dentures are more often referred to as the shorter term – “dental implants.” They are among the most versatile, reliable, and attractive restoration options for missing teeth. The basic rundown is this: titanium rods are designed to function as tooth root replacements. They are implanted through your gum tissue and into your jawbone securely. Prosthetic tooth replacements are attached to these biocompatible posts to recreate a natural smile. Many patients are naturally concerned with recovery after they undergo surgery. Park Ridge dentists, Dr. Thanasi Loukas and Dr. Maria Loukas will tell you more about what you can expect in terms of healing from dental implant surgery.

Most People Recover Fast

If you are in good general health, dental implant placement is likely to surprise you in terms of discomfort. Many patients find it to be much more comfortable of a procedure than they ever dreamed. If you only require single implant placement in an area where you have healthy jawbone tissue, you will require very little or even no downtime, post-surgery. If bone and/or gum grafting is necessary prior to implants, you may require a slightly longer recovery process. Either Dr. Thanasi Loukas or Dr. Maria Loukas will offer you specific instructions on taking care of yourself following your surgery.

Recovery Time Estimate

Once your dental implants are surgically placed, you are looking at roughly 14 to 16 weeks to pass before your posts will fully fuse and integrate with your jawbone. (more…)

Replacing missing teeth can be daunting and sometimes confusing. You may have heard of dental bridges and partial dentures, but what exactly are they and what makes them different? Your Park Ridge dentists, Dr. Maria and Dr. Thanasi Loukas, would like to clarify your options so you can make an educated choice about your restorative dentistry procedure.

What is a Partial Denture?

Partial dentures, also known as removable partial dentures (RPD,) are a set of artificial teeth that rest upon a gum-colored plastic base. The base is held in place with metal clasps that hook onto the natural teeth that are next to the missing teeth. The base sits on the gums, and the metal clasps and base serve to secure the artificial teeth. Unlike dental bridges that remain fixed in the mouth, partials can be removed from the mouth and reinserted. Partials can be made of various types of materials, and our doctors prefer a plastic called Valplast. Using plastic materials provides more elasticity and enhances the appearance while metal-based partials may be more durable but less flexible. Dr. Maria and Dr. Thanasi will discuss your options with you at the beginning of treatment, but above all, their priority is for you to enjoy replacement teeth that feel and perform like natural teeth.

What is a Dental Bridge?

Dental bridges are prosthetic teeth that are connected to two crowns on the end of the bridge. These two crowns are called the abutment teeth or anchor teeth, and they uphold and secure the bridge. Dr. Maria and Dr. Thanasi will prepare the abutment teeth for supporting the crowns by sculpting them to the appropriate shape. They will then place the crowns atop the abutment teeth, and they will cement a prosthetic tooth or teeth in the middle of the ‘bridge.’

About Our Doctors

Dr. Maria and Dr. Thanasi Loukas care about their patients and want them to understand their treatment options when it comes to replacing missing teeth and any other dentistry need. Our doctors draw upon years of extensive training and hands-on experience to provide superb restorative, preventive, and cosmetic dentistry in Park Ridge. They proudly treat patients from Park Ridge and the surrounding Chicago communities. To schedule a consultation, please call (847) 696-1919.

 

 

 

 

A dental filling, made from either metal amalgam or white composite resin, is a restorative treatment designed to treat a tooth with a mild to moderate cavity. If the cavity is large enough, however, then a dental filling might not be enough to effectively restore the tooth, or to stop tooth infection from spreading. To treat extensive cavities, Dr. Maria and Dr. Thanasi Loukas can perform an endodontic procedure to remove the infection, then seal the roots to stop bacteria from spreading through their canals.

Where’s the Real Danger?

If you’ve ever had a cavity, it probably hurt. A toothache is one of the most frequent, and most identifiable, symptoms of tooth decay, ad its severity can hint at how pervasive the cavity’s become. If the situation is bad enough to require root canal treatment, then the tooth is likely highly sensitive to pressure, as well as hot and cold temperatures. The discomfort might also linger due to the infected pulp (nerves and blood vessels). If not treated immediately, the decay can spread through the roots, causing inflammation as the bacteria travel to the surrounding tissues and jawbone.

What is Endodontic Dentistry?

Endodontics is the study and treatment of a tooth’s pulp, which houses the tooth’s vulnerable internal tissues. Endodontic treatment, or root canal therapy, is the process of cleaning out the necrotic (dead) tooth tissues to preserve the healthy tooth structure that remains. Sealing the roots helps halt the infection, but the procedure can leave the tooth weak. After filling the root canals with a special, rubber-like material called gutta percha, Dr. Loukas will fill the rest of the cavity, usually with composite resin. To protect the tooth from your bite’s pressure, as well as improve its appearance, Dr. Loukas can place a lifelike porcelain dental crown over it following your endodontic treatment.

About Your Park Ridge Dentists:

We can rebuild your smile if it’s compromised by cosmetic issues, or by cavities, gum disease, or tooth loss, but preventing such issues with preventive dental care can help you avoid the need for complex treatment later. Dr. Maria and Dr. Thanasi Loukas are highly-skilled cosmetic, restorative, and implant dentists serving the Park Ridge and surrounding Chicago communities. To schedule an appointment, call Loukas Dentistry of Park Ridge today at (847) 696-1919.

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Dental fillings in Park Ridge, IL
Tooth coloured composite fillings, replacing old metal fillings, and what happens when a filling is not enough.

Dental technology has provided us with the means to effectively treat virtually any dental health issue and restore smiles to their former health and function. Nevertheless, prevention remains the most effective method for preserving a smile’s integrity, and brushing and flossing your teeth every day is at the forefront of successfully protecting dental health. Your Park Ridge dentists, Dr. Maria and Dr. Thanasi Loukas, explain the tenets of good dental hygiene at home, including ways to increase your hygiene’s effectiveness.

The Right Tools

Removing dental plaque, food debris, and minor teeth stains isn’t the same as cleaning dirt off of your skin. The enamel surrounding teeth is resilient, but still sensitive. (more…)

As we age, the risk of tooth loss increases. In fact, a study by the American Association or Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons shows that by age 74 over 26% of American adults are missing all of their teeth. To restore smiles suffering from tooth loss and to prevent patients from losing all of their teeth, partial dentures may be recommended. In today’s blog, your Park Ridge dentists, Dr. Maria Loukas and Dr. Thanasi Loukas, explain the benefits of partial dentures.

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Looking for dental implants in Park Ridge? Our main dental implants in Park Ridge, IL page covers single implants, All on 4, implant dentures, cost, and what to expect, all completed in our own office.

While customizing your physical appearance through cosmetic surgery is relatively new on the timeline of scientific advancement, improving a smile’s appearance has long been intertwined with contemporary dental health care. In fact, by 200 A.D., the ancient Etruscans were crafting dental crowns and bridges made of gold, almost 400 years after they began crafting dental restorations made of ivory. Today’s attention to your smile has generated a wealth of understanding about its health and beauty, which has resulted in a plethora of dental care options that can be custom-designed specifically to rejuvenate your smile. Your Park Ridge implant dentists, Dr. Maria and Dr. Thanasi Loukas, take a look at advanced dental restoration, and how to determine exactly which treatment is right for you.

Your Smile’s Unique, Like a Fingerprint

Like any good health care, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for any dental treatment. The size, shape, and layout of your smile, as well as the issues that afflict it, are unique to you, and treating it requires personalized treatment designed according to your goals and needs. (more…)

Even if you’ve lost all of your teeth on one or both dental ridges, you can rest assured that modern, custom-designed dentures can help restore your smile’s beauty and function. Nevertheless, most people don’t look forward to a day when they have to remove their teeth to sleep at night, and would prefer to retain all of their natural teeth, instead. As dedicated implant dentists in Park Ridge, Dr. Maria and Dr. Thanasi Loukas agree; your natural teeth share a complex and vital relationship with the rest of your oral health. Since traditional dentures only restore the upper halves of your teeth, their immediate benefits are limited compared to the long-term benefits of implant dentures.

Time-Honored Tooth Replacement

Though limited, the benefits of conventional dentures are far from trivial. Throughout history, humans have endeavored to replace lost teeth and the ability to bite and chew food. Today’s dentures are designed to do the same while closely mimicking the visible parts of your natural teeth. The porcelain often used for dentures is specially crafted and layered to match the light-reflecting abilities of your tooth enamel. Instead of roots, however, traditional dentures are secured to your gums using dental adhesive, and as many denture-wearers know, they often lose their tight grip and start to slip when biting, chewing, and speaking.

The Security of Implanted Anchors

When replacing teeth that should be sturdy and statuesque, the foundation is extremely important. Your natural teeth gain much of their strength from the fact that their roots are embedded within your jawbone. Similarly, dental implants are root-shaped devices that are surgically implanted into your jawbone, and then serve as anchors for your dentures.  While the denture portion of implant dentures restores your ability to bite and chew, the implants provide the support it needs to function as well as natural teeth.

Dental Implant Dentures and More with Your Park Ridge Implant Dentists

To learn about implant dentures and how they can restore your smile to its former or glory, or for information about upgrading your current dentures with a series of dental implants, schedule an appointment with Dr. Maria and Dr. Thanasi Loukas by calling your Park Ridge implant dentists’ office at (847) 696-1919. Located in the 60068 area, we proudly serve patients from Park Ridge and the surrounding Chicago communities.