Understanding Cavities from Sellke Reily Orthodontics

One word nobody wants to hear when they visit the dentist is Cavity! That’s right, the dreaded cavity; but what exactly is a cavity and how do they happen? A cavity is a hole that develops in a tooth when the tooth begins to decay. It’s important to get a cavity filled as soon as it’s detected so that it does not grow bigger.

So, what causes a cavity? A cavity is caused by plaque, a sticky substance that forms on the tooth as a result of germ and bacteria build-up. Plaque is acidic and as it clings to your teeth the acids eat away the outside of the tooth (also called the enamel) and a hole is formed.

Yes, cavities can be repaired by your dentist, but here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent cavities:

--Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily
--Gently brush your gums to keep them healthy (when choosing a toothbrush it is recommended to use soft bristles)
--Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food that may be caught between the teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach
--Limit the amount of soda and sugary treats you eat/drink
--Be sure to visit your dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning and check-up
--And for all your orthodontic needs, visit Sellke and Reily Orthodontics!

$1.50 for a Cavity -- Antioch, Grayslake Orthodontists

Vending machines are a quick way to satisfy hunger. You put in $1.50 and you get back a candy bar, bag of chips or even a soda…but that’s not all! Vending machines not only dispense sweet treats and caffeine bursts, but they also dispense cavities!

Every time you chow down on that chocolate bar the bacteria in your mouth have a party feasting on the sugar. The sugar quickly turns into acid; that’s right, ACID!!! The acid sits on your teeth and eats away at the tooth’s natural enamel (the stuff that protects your tooth from decay). When this enamel is eaten away by the acid on your tooth, you get a cavity! Brushing your teeth after eating a sugary treat can help prevent cavities; but before you indulge remind yourself: “can’t brush? Hold the sugar!”

When choosing a snack, Dr. Sellke and Dr. Reily want you to consider these nutritional options that will not only satisfy your hunger and that “sweet tooth”, but won’t cause acid build up resulting in cavities:

• Fresh Fruits (berries, oranges, melon, pears, etc)
• Raw Vegetables (broccoli, celery, carrots, etc)
• Bread
• Pretzels (low salt)
• Milk (low or non-fat)
• Cheese (low or non-fat)
• Nuts and seeds (pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, etc)
• Sliced meat

Moooove Over Gum Disease From Sellke & Reily Orthodontics

Is dairy a major part of your diet? If not, it should be! A recent study from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) has found that regular consumption of dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, can lower your chances of contracting periodontal disease (also known as gum disease).

Gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection in the mouth that affects the gums and jaw. Gum disease results in a loss of teeth and bone, and has been connected to certain cases of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease and osteoporosis.

Results of the study show that adults who consume at least 55 grams of lactic acid a day are less at risk for gum disease. Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth. Next time you reach for a quick snack, choose some cheese, or a glass of milk, and remember with each bite, and every sip you are preserving your teeth for a lifetime of smiles and good oral health!

For more information about keeping your teeth healthy, call us at Sellke and Reily Orthodontics.

Smoke Screen with Dr. Sellke

Everybody knows that smoking causes lung cancer, but did you also know that smokers and tobacco are susceptible to a variety of oral health problems at a faster rate than non-smokers?

It’s true! Smoking is responsible for almost 75% of gum disease in adults; and, similar to smokers, adults who smoke pipes and cigars, as well as those using smokeless tobacco, are just as susceptible to gum disease and other tobacco related health problems.

As soon as you use tobacco products, you become more likely to experience any of these oral-health problems:

• Oral cancer
• Gum disease
• Tooth loss
• Loss of bone in the jaw
• Gum recession
• Delayed/impaired healing process after oral surgery or any other treatment
• Decreased success rate of dental implant (tooth replacement) procedures
• Mouth sores
• Loss of your sense of taste and smell
• Bad breath
• Tooth and tongue stains

If you are interested in protecting your oral health we strongly recommend you quit using tobacco products! The following steps are recommended by the Surgeon General to help you quit smoking and using tobacco:

• Get ready – set a quitting date and remove all materials from your home, car and office
• Get support
• Learn new skills and behaviors
• Get medication and use it correctly
• Be prepared for relapse or difficult situations

For support, start with Sellke and Reily Orthodontics! We can help by recommending different options to help you quit, and above all we will support you throughout the quitting process. We are dedicated to helping you protect your oral health – and quitting smoking is significant step in the right direction.

Trivial Pursuit -- Invisalign Edition

Got a few crooked teeth, or an overbite you’ve never liked? Been wondering if Invisalign might just be the best option for you? We at Dr. Sellke's office want to help you understand the facts. Brush up on the facts with our Invisalign trivia questions:

1. Each set of aligners in your series should be worn for approximately:

A – 2 days
B – 2 weeks
C – 2 months
D – 2 years

2. Your aligners are custom-created for your teeth based on:

A – A CT scan that produces a 3-D image of your teeth
B – A set of 24 high-resolution photos of the inside of your mouth and exterior jaw line
C – X-rays taken from the front, back, left and right of your head
D – bronze cast of your teeth

3. Which of the following is not recommended during Invisalign treatment:

A – Chewing gum
B – Smoking
C – Eating popcorn
D – Smiling

4. Invisalign treatment has been chosen by:

A – More than 1000 people
B – More than 10,000 people
C – More than 50,000 people
D – More than 500,000 people


How many did you answer correctly? Check your choices:

1. B – 2 weeks: In most cases, each set of aligners should be worn for approximately two weeks. As you replace each set with the next in the series, your teeth will move – little by little, week by week – until they have straightened to the position we’ve prescribed. You’ll visit our office about once every six weeks to ensure that your treatment is progressing as planned. Total treatment time averages 9-15 months and the average number of aligner sets worn during treatment is between 18 and 30.

2. A – A CT scan: A CT or Computed Tomography scan is made from your dental impressions. The CT scan produces an extremely accurate, 3-dimensional digital model of your teeth. We then use Invisalign’s proprietary CAD (Computer Aided Design) software to simulate the movement of your teeth during treatment to create your unique treatment plan.

3. B – Smoking. We discourage smoking while wearing the aligners as they may become discolored. (We also discourage smoking due to the dental and medical health problems it causes.) You are, however, able to eat any kind of food you like and smile with abandon during Invisalign treatment. The aligners are clear, so they don’t hide your pearly whites, and they’re removable, so you can take them out to eat, brush and floss.

4. D – More than 500,000 people. That’s right, more than half a million people have chosen Invisalign to brighten their smile. You could be next! If you are interested in Invisalign treatment, give us a call at Dr. Sellke's office to set up a consultation.

Dr. Sellke Patient Reviews

Dr. Sellke and his team provide a comfortable and fun orthodontic experience for people of all ages. Just see what their patients have to say about them!Every time I go see Dr. Sellke I am warmly welcomed and the people at the front desk remember my name--I don't even have to sign in and they call me by my first name and make me feel as if I'm their only patient when I know there are tons of other patients!
-Michael M.

Dr. Sellke talks directly to my daughter and explains everything to her very well!
-David U.

We love the friendly, helpful Drs. and staff at the Grayslake office. They are always very helpful with any questions and they go out of their way to make sure every aspect of each of my children's treatments is taken care of. They go so far as to remind you when the local farmer's market is in operation so you can arrive early for easier parking and assist by sending copies of receipts for flex spending. The whole team is wonderful!
-Lisa J.

Everyone at Dr. Sellke’s office is so friendly and makes us feel very welcomed! We really appreciate it!
-Brian S.

Dr. Sellke and his staff are very friendly and put my daughter at ease. I trust their judgment when it comes to which treatment is most appropriate.
-Gayle D.

Everyone in Dr. Sellke’s office is very courteous when I call or arrive. The office is geared towards the pleasure of the children, their largest client base. They love it, and it really makes a difference because they want to do well with their braces. Our son couldn't wait to get his braces after seeing his sister do so well.
-Bruce C.

Good Breath Gone Bad - Dr. Terry Selke

Bad breath can be a real downer, especially when you are out on a date with that girl or boy you’ve had a crush on all semester! However, bad breath can be prevented!

Bad breath, or as your doctor may call it “halitosis,” is caused by odor-producing bacteria that grows in your mouth. This bacteria gathers on bits of food in your mouth and between your teeth and release sulfur compounds making your breath smell. Some foods, like garlic and onions, may contribute more to bad breath because of oils the food the food releases, and smoking is also a major cause of bad breath.

There are several myths around bad breath. Here are some common myths and the truth behind it all:

Myth #1: Mouthwash will make my breath smell better

Mouthwash will make your breath smell better, but it is only a temporary fix. If you use mouthwash, just know that you will still need to brush and floss when you get the chance as mouthwash alone will not kill all of the bacteria producing germs in your mouth. When choosing a mouthwash, pick an antiseptic with plaque-reducing compounds. Also make sure any dental products you choose comes with the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of approval!

Myth #2: I brush my teeth; I will never have bad breath

Brushing your teeth will save you from having breath, but the truth is most people only brush their teeth for about 30-45 seconds! You need to brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes, twice a day to give your teeth a thorough cleansing. It’s also important to brush your tongue, which is where a majority of odor causing bacteria like to hang out. Lastly, flossing to remove food and plaque between the teeth will also help reduce your chances of having bad breath!

Myth #3: If I don’t smell it, then my breath is fresh

This is a false assumption in every sense of the word! The truth is that the breath you breathe out is not the same breath coming out when you talk to someone. When you breathe you are not using your throat as you do when you are talking; and when you talk more breath moves over the back of your mouth where bacteria is causing bad breath.

#1 TRUTH: Brush your teeth twice a day (for at least 2 minutes), floss at least once and visit your dentist every six months…this way your breath will always be fresh! Not letting your nerves get the best of you on your date? That’s up to you!!!