How Lifestyle Choices Impact Oral Health: Smoking, Diet, and More

Maintaining good oral health is not just about brushing and flossing regularly; it’s also about making smart lifestyle choices. Your daily habits and routines can significantly impact the health of your teeth and gums. At Sheehan Dental, we understand the importance of educating our patients about how lifestyle choices affect their oral health. Together, let’s take a look at some of the most common lifestyle factors that influence your dental health and the steps you should take to maintain a healthy smile.

Smoking and Oral Health

Smoking is one of the most detrimental habits for your oral health. Not only does smoking stain your teeth and contribute to bad breath, but it also significantly increases your risk of developing gum disease, tooth decay, and oral cancer. The chemicals in tobacco products can irritate the gums, leading to inflammation and infection. Additionally, smoking weakens your body’s immune system, making it harder to fight off oral infections. read more

Bruxism: Understanding Teeth Grinding and Its Consequences

Bruxism: Understanding Teeth Grinding and Its Consequences

Bruxism, commonly known as teeth grinding, is a dental condition affecting millions worldwide. While it may seem harmless at first, the consequences of bruxism can be significant if left untreated. If you are suffering from teeth grinding, keep reading because we are going to delve into the causes, symptoms, and potential implications of bruxism, as well as ways to manage and prevent this condition.

What is Bruxism?

Bruxism is the involuntary clenching or grinding of teeth, typically occurring during sleep and sometimes during the day. This condition can affect individuals of all ages, from children to adults, and it often goes unnoticed until its effects become more pronounced. Bruxism can be categorized into two main types:

  1. Awake Bruxism: This occurs when individuals clench or grind their teeth during waking hours. It is often associated with stress, anxiety, or as a subconscious habit.

  2. Sleep Bruxism: As the name suggests, sleep bruxism occurs during sleep and is usually more forceful than awake bruxism.

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Pediatric Dentistry in Palos Park, IL

Pediatric Dentistry in Palos Park, IL

At Sheehan Dental, we understand that your child’s dental health is paramount. As a trusted dental practice serving Palos Park, IL, and the surrounding Chicagoland area, we are dedicated to providing exceptional pediatric dentistry services that cater to the unique needs of young patients. Our team of experienced and compassionate pediatric dentists is committed to creating a positive and comfortable dental experience for children, ensuring they develop healthy oral habits that will last a lifetime.

Why Choose Pediatric Dentistry?

Pediatric dentistry focuses on the oral health and well-being of infants, children, adolescents, and individuals with special healthcare needs. This specialized field of dentistry recognizes the unique challenges and developmental stages that children go through as they grow. Here are some compelling reasons why you should consider pediatric dentistry for your child:

  1. Specialized Expertise: Pediatric dentists have completed additional training beyond dental school, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to address the specific dental needs of children.
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New Year, New Smile: Dental Resolutions for a Healthier You

New Year, New Smile: Dental Resolutions for a Healthier You

The New Year is the perfect time to make resolutions for a healthier you, and that includes taking better care of your oral health. Your smile is one of your most valuable assets, and maintaining good dental hygiene can lead to improved overall health and confidence. At Sheehan Dental, we believe that a new year should bring a new commitment to your dental well-being. Keep reading because we are going to discuss some dental resolutions to help you achieve a healthier, more beautiful smile in the coming year.

1. Schedule Regular Dental Checkups

One of the most important resolutions you can make for your dental health is to schedule regular dental checkups. Many dental issues can be prevented or detected early through routine visits to your dentist. By committing to seeing your dentist at least twice a year, you can stay on top of any potential problems and address them before they become more serious and costly to treat. read more

The Impact of Seasonal Stress On Your Teeth

The Impact of Seasonal Stress On Your Teeth

Stress is an inevitable part of life, and it can affect various aspects of our well-being, including our oral health. As the seasons change, so do the stressors we face, which can directly impact the health of our teeth and gums. In this blog post, we will explore how seasonal stress can affect your oral health and provide tips on how to mitigate these effects.

Understanding the Connection Between Stress and Oral Health

Before delving into the seasonal aspects of stress, it’s important to understand how stress, in general, can impact your teeth. Chronic stress has been linked to a variety of oral health issues, including:

  • Bruxism (Teeth Grinding): Stress can lead to teeth grinding, a condition known as bruxism. This involuntary clenching or grinding of teeth, especially during sleep, can result in tooth wear, fractures, and jaw pain.
  • Gum Disease: Chronic stress weakens the immune system, making the gums more susceptible to infections.
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