Dr. Erica Zolnierczyk, Author At Orland Park Dentist | Inspire Dental Wellness

Effects of Thumb Sucking on Children’s Teeth: What Parents Need to Know

Thumb sucking is a normal and developmentally-appropriate tool that infants use to soothe themselves and interact with the environment around them. But when the habit continues into toddlerhood, and beyond, the effects of thumb sucking can start to play out in some negative ways, particularly in terms of dental health. As family dentists, we see […]

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The Truth About Fluoride

Dental Facts / Dr. Erica Zolnierczyk

There are many myths and misconceptions regarding oral care. A commonly held belief is that fluoride isn’t an important ingredient in mouth products, but it’s time to learn the truth about fluoride and its many benefits! Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in water, soil, and various types of food. It is often added

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Sugar and Tooth Decay: What You Need to Know

Dental Facts / Dr. Erica Zolnierczyk

The correlation between sugar and tooth decay is certainly well-known, but there’s still much to say when discussing sugar and proper preventative oral care. Since tooth decay can cause detrimental consequences to both our physical and mental health, it’s important to be aware of how it happens and why. By analyzing how sugar leads to

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Mouthwash Benefits: How to Improve Daily Oral Care

Dentist / Dr. Erica Zolnierczyk

Brushing and flossing your teeth is the foundation of any daily oral health habit. Those are, without substitute, the two most effective methods for removing plaque and bacteria. That said, by incorporating a mouthwash rinse into your daily routine alongside brushing and flossing, you can further help eliminate the bacteria that causes the plaque buildup

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Common Toothache Causes: When to See Your Dentist

Dentist / Dr. Erica Zolnierczyk

Ignoring the early warning signs of an oral health problem, such as toothache, can have serious consequences. That’s because toothache causes can be attributed to underlying issues affecting the teeth and gums. It doesn’t matter if the tooth is sending out shooting flares of agony, or if it’s more of a dull, throbbing annoyance, pain

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The Importance of Proper Gum Health

Gum Health / Dr. Erica Zolnierczyk

Gum health is an often neglected part of our oral hygiene routines, but its importance cannot be overstated. Maintaining proper gum health not only makes our mouths cleaner overall, but it also helps in the prevention of some pretty serious diseases and infections. The unfortunate reality, however, is that 2 out of 5 Americans have

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The Best Way to Whiten Teeth: Answers to Common Questions

Whitening / Dr. Erica Zolnierczyk

What is the best way to whiten teeth? While it does depend to some degree on your whitening goals, your history with teeth whitening, your oral health, and your budget, there are some general basics to know as you decide on the right option. There are quite a few different options for whitening teeth, including

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Dental Care for Adults Without Insurance

Dental Insurance / Dr. Erica Zolnierczyk

In recent years, dental care for adults without insurance has become increasingly more challenging as new technologies and standard procedures have sent dental prices soaring. Pair this with the pandemic, that many individuals were unable to work and cover co-payments, and it makes sense why the cost of dentists without insurance was–and still is–devastating to

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How To Stop Grinding Teeth During Sleep

Dental Facts / Dr. Erica Zolnierczyk

Have you ever woken up with a sore jaw? Do you start your mornings with a mild headache, or toothache? Do you experience stiffness while eating? If these scenarios sound familiar, then you might be suffering from sleep-induced teeth grinding. This bad habit, also known as bruxism, refers to the involuntary clenching, grinding, and gnashing

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How to Choose Between Aligners vs. Braces

Aligners vs. Braces / Dr. Erica Zolnierczyk

The discussion surrounding aligners vs. braces has been an ongoing one for dental patients. Fortunately, both are viable ways of fixing a number of dental issues, particularly crooked or incorrectly positioned teeth. However, each comes with their own list of pros and cons, so it’s important to have a complete idea of what to expect

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