Navigating the Path to Becoming a Board-Certified Dentist | Kenilworth Dentist

A tooth with a royal crown on top to depict dental crowns

Embarking on the journey to become a board-certified dentist is a commendable pursuit that requires dedication, education, and a passion for oral health. This transformative path not only elevates your professional status but also ensures a commitment to the highest standards of patient care. In this blog post, we’ll explore the essential steps and key considerations for those aspiring to achieve board certification in dentistry.

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Understanding The Causes, and Consequences of Adult Tooth Loss and Replacement Options | Kenilworth Dentist

A man holding his jaw due to a toothache or tooth trauma

Adult tooth loss can be a disconcerting and challenging experience, affecting not only oral health but also overall well-being. Whether it’s due to decay, gum disease, injury, or other factors, losing permanent teeth requires careful consideration and proactive steps for maintaining oral function and aesthetics. In this blog post, we’ll explore the causes of adult tooth loss, its consequences, and the various replacement options available.

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Everything You Need to Know About Dental Insurance | Kenilworth Dentist

Dental tools shown to depict the tools dentists use

Maintaining optimal oral health is crucial for overall well-being, and dental insurance plays a pivotal role in ensuring access to quality dental care. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the intricacies of dental insurance, empowering you with knowledge to make informed decisions about your oral health coverage.

Dental insurance is designed to offset the costs of preventive, basic, and major dental care. Unlike general health insurance, dental insurance is often a separate policy, providing coverage for a range of dental services. Most plans cover routine check-ups, cleanings, and X-rays, while more comprehensive policies may include restorative procedures like fillings, root canals, and even orthodontic treatments.

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The Tell-Tale Signs of an Oral Infection | Kenilworth Dentist

A detailed image depicting a normal tooth against a tooth infected with periodontitis

Our oral health is a crucial aspect of our overall well-being, and paying attention to the signs of potential issues is essential. One common concern that often goes unnoticed is oral infection. In this blog post, we will explore the various signs that may indicate the presence of an oral infection and why it’s vital to address these issues promptly.

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The Different Ways a Tooth May Crack | Kenilworth Dentist

a cracked tooth to show that dental trauma and cracked teeth can happen to anyone

A smile is often considered one of the most powerful expressions, but what happens when that smile is marred by the unexpected – a cracked tooth? The human dentition, while resilient, is not impervious to damage. In this article, we delve into the various factors that contribute to the cracking of teeth, shedding light on the silent culprit behind this common dental concern.

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What Tooth Discoloration Says About Your Oral Health | Kenilworth Dentist

coffee, a food that leads to tooth discoloration

Maintaining proper oral health is not only crucial for a bright smile but also for overall well-being. One often overlooked indicator of improper oral health care is tooth discoloration. Discoloration can manifest in various ways, ranging from yellowing to brown spots, and can be a warning sign of underlying issues that demand attention.

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Understanding Dental Anxiety & How To Overcome It | Kenilworth Dentist

Woman at the dentist shielding her mouth because she is scared or has dental anxiety

Dental anxiety is a common concern that affects individuals of all ages, preventing many from seeking the dental care they need. The fear of dental procedures can lead to postponed appointments, deteriorating oral health, and unnecessary discomfort. In this blog post, we’ll explore the roots of dental anxiety and provide practical tips to help you overcome it, ensuring a positive and stress-free dental experience.

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A Closer Look At The Anatomy of The Human Mouth | Kenilworth Dentist

A woman smiling at her reflection because she has healthy teeth, or because she is seeing the result of dental restoration surgery

The human mouth is a marvel of biological engineering, serving a multitude of essential functions that go far beyond mere communication. This intricate structure plays a vital role in our ability to eat, breathe, and express our emotions. In this blog, we will take a closer look at the anatomy of the human mouth and the various components that make it such a versatile and indispensable part of our bodies.

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A Guide to Cavities: What You Need To Know | Kenilworth Dentist

A woman flossing to show that flossing is an important aspect of oral care

Cavities are part of health and hygiene discussions from the moment we begin brushing- or throw a fit about it. Cavities are preventable and treatable; it’s important to be aware of what causes cavities and how dentists treat them. Here are some top things to know about cavities, and how they re treated.

How Do Cavities Happen?

Sugar– While sugar doesn’t cause cavities, like citric acid, it contributes to the likelihood you may develop one. Sugar is a harmful bacteria’s favorite food, so the longer sugar lingers on your teeth, the more likely that bacteria will begin to eat it. This weakens your enamel and creates opportunities for that harmful bacteria to hang around and cause a cavity.


Acidic Foods– Citric acid contained in lemons, limes and oranges also pops up as an ingredient in processed foods. Citric acid and others weaken teeth and put enamel in danger of erosion which in turn creates crevices for bacteria to stick and become a cavity. It would be difficult to avoid citric acid, so the best thing you can do is consume water throughout the day and keep the intake of acidic foods to a minimum.

Children and Cavities

Believe it or not, children are not more prone to develop cavities than adults, but there are factors that may put children and elderly individuals at more risk for tooth decay. Children tend to crave and eat sugary foods while doing a poor job brushing their teeth. The elderly tend to take medication that reduces the amount of saliva they produce thus reducing the neutralization properties of saliva. Drinking water throughout the day and regular dental visits can help both children and their grandparents to reduce the chances harmful bacteria may cause a cavity.

How Are Cavities Treated?

If you wake up to a toothache or notice black spots on a tooth, you may have a cavity. Cavities are a common occurrence and dentists have several means of treating them. Treatment options vary depending on how advanced the tooth decay has become.

Simple Decay- Fluoride treatments and fillings are viable treatment options if the cavity is in its early stages. Your dentist will apply a solution to the decaying tooth to kill harmful bacteria and place a filling where the cavity was to seal the area to prevent further decay. This is a fairly simple and painless method for cavity removal, as well as the most common treatment option.

Serious Decay- If the cavity has progressed beyond the ability for a fluoride treatment to remove the bacteria, crowns, root canals and tooth extraction are a dentist’s next line of defense. Crowns are custom coverings for decaying teeth; typically made from porcelain, they work to strengthen your effected tooth once the bacteria has been removed. If the decay reaches the inner tooth, or pulp, your dentist will remove the pulp, medicate it to clear any infection and add a filling. Tooth extraction is a last resort option when the decayed tooth is beyond restoration. Your dentist may recommend a bridge or implant for the gap.

For more information regarding dental exams, contact Drs. Freund and Waterloo today at 847-251-8990 or visit www.villagedentalpc.com.

Drs. Chad Freund and Cathy Waterloo proudly serves Kenilworth and all surrounding areas.

Debunking Fluoride Misconceptions | Kenilworth Dentist

Dental tools shown to depict the tools dentists use

Believe it or not, fluoride is a controversial mineral. Proponents of fluoride tout its ability to aid in the fight against cavities and tooth decay. Opponents say fluoride is a harmful neurotoxin that has been pumped into our community’s water without express permission by the people.

While trace amounts of fluoride have been added to public water for decades, it has yet to cause widespread neurological issues. According to smiledentalcenterct.com, “research has shown that by adding fluoride to public water supplies, tooth decay-related conditions decline by 25 percent among adults and children.” The addition of fluoride is meant to be a public health benefit, rather than a source of controversy.

As with anything, there is such thing as too much fluoride; two dental visits a year and drinking community water, however, isn’t likely to cause harm. Too much fluoride can cause dental fluorosis that changes the color of tooth enamel and is likely to impact children ages eight and younger as their teeth grow in. As a result, it is not recommended to give children fluoride toothpaste- especially as they develop the motor skills to properly brush and not swallow the paste.

A dentist may dissuade a patient from using fluoride toothpaste if they experience an allergic reaction, or if the individual feels strongly about the amount of fluoride in their daily lives. Fluoride-free formulas offer the same cleaning power and is recommended over not using toothpaste; the difference is that on average, fluoride formulas reduce the number of cavities and occurrence of tooth decay one may experience over their lifetime.

In general, trace amounts of fluoride in drinking water works to improve the oral health of our communities and the use of fluoride toothpaste is safe for adults. The decision to use fluoride toothpaste lies with the individual, but he or she may need to take extra steps such as mouthwash and flossing to ensure they receive the cavity-fighting benefits normally provided by fluoride formulas.

For more information regarding dental exams, contact Drs. Freund and Waterloo today at 847-251-8990 or visit www.villagedentalpc.com.