Today, March 21st, is the World Down Syndrome Day

Down syndrome is a genetic condition in which a person has an extra copy of chromosome 21. This form of Down syndrome is called Trisomy 21. The extra chromosome causes problems with the way the body and brain develop.

Children and adults with Down syndrome have compromised immune system, various degrees of intellectual impairment and severe delay in language development and higher incidence of epilepsy, diabetes, leukemia, and hypothyroidism.

Dental manifestations of Down Syndrome

This year we are proud to be a part of the celebration. Bucktown Dental Associates is now fully equipped to treat patients with special needs, including down syndrome. Dr. Elseweifi has received extensive training in providing dental care to children and adults with special needs. 

Please visit our site for special needs dentistry at www.chicago-special-needs-dentist.com

In the past, the only option for replacing a missing tooth was a bridge or dentures. Dental implants are one of the newer methods of replacing lost teeth. A dental implant is a replacement titanium root that provides a strong foundation for fixed or removable replacement tooth.

Placing dental implants can be completed in a single day under local anesthetic, sending you home with a new smile. Before placing the implant, a consultation appointment is scheduled to take x-rays and impressions of your teeth. Dr. Elseweifi and team will discuss treatment plan with you and answer your questions.

Dental implants provide a better cosmetic appearance, even for front teeth, and are typically more comfortable and durable than dentures and crowns. In fact, dental implants are so close in appearance to real teeth that even the front teeth can be implants and no one will be the wiser.

In most cases, anyone healthy enough to undergo a routine dental extraction can be considered for a dental implant. Patients should have healthy gums and enough bone to hold the implant. Heavy smokers, people suffering from uncontrolled chronic disorders -- such as diabetes -- or patients who have had radiation therapy to the head/neck area need to be evaluated on an individual basis

Success rates of dental implants vary, depending on where in the jaw the implants are placed but, in general, dental implants have a success rate of up to 98%. With proper care implants can last a lifetime. However, the patient must be committed to good oral hygiene and regular dental visits.

If you are considering implants, talk to us to see if they are right for you. You can set a free consultation appointment by calling us at 773-276-2757.

Maintaining good oral health is a year-round pursuit, but with each season comes a new set of precautions. A time for barbecues, visits to the ice cream truckand sugary sodas, the summer season puts people at added risk for cracked teeth and cavities. Therefore, you should take extra care when chewing hard food including popcorn, nuts, ice, meat, and candy. Remember that a cracked tooth may take several hours
or days to show symptoms. In the case of a dental emergency such as hot and cold sensitivity or general tooth pain, patients are advised to contact our office 
immediately. 

Beyond summer foods, you should protect your teeth while swimming, biking, and playing sports. For many team sports, It is good to invest in a mouth guard to protect against injuries; mouth guards come in many different sizes and colors, making
them more appealing to children. In the event of a damaged or broken tooth, rinse
out carefully clean the area around the tooth; then call us right away and apply a cooling compress if needed. 

Swimming, while also placing children and adults at risk for chipped or broken teeth, presents additional challenges. The chlorine and other chemicals common in swimming pools can be harmful to teeth, so it is recommended to have a drink of chlorine-free water or use mouthwash after swimming. 

To further improve dental health, there are certain measures that you should take all year round; daily flossing, brushing twice a day, and using fluoride toothpaste can improve both teeth and gum health. But even with good home hygiene you should not miss your six month professional cleanings and checkups. 

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There’s more to a healthy mouth than just a pretty smile. 

Gum (periodontal) disease, also called periodontitis,  is a chronic bacterial infection affecting the gums and bone supporting the teeth. As the disease destroys gum tissue and bone, teeth can become loose and may have to be removed. 

Researchers have found that periodontitis can be associated with other health problems such as cardiovascular disease, stroke and bacterial pneumonia. Likewise, pregnant women who have periodontitis may be at increased risk for delivering pre-term and/or low birth weight babies.

It is possible to have periodontal disease and have no pain or discomfort. That is one reason why regular dental checkups and gum examinations are very important. Treatment methods depend upon the type of disease and how far the condition has progressed. Good oral hygiene at home is essential to help keep periodontal disease from becoming more serious or recurring. 

You don’t have to lose teeth to periodontal disease. Brush, clean between your teeth, eat a balanced diet, and schedule regular dental visits for a lifetime of healthy smiles. Given the potential link between periodontitis and systemic health problems, prevention of periodontitis may turn out to be an important step in maintaining overall health.

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