Oral Thrush

Thrush is a medical condition in which a yeast-shaped fungus called Candida overgrows in the mouth and throat. Normally, Candida exists in the mouth in small numbers along with various kinds of good bacteria, but when this balance is disrupted, an infection will occur. Thrush most commonly occurs in elderly patients who wear dentures, but it can also occur in children. Dr. Cynthia Wong would like to explain this condition and assure you that it is preventable as well as treatable.

Thrush often occurs in people with weakened immune systems. It’s not unusual for infants to develop this condition, and it’s usually not serious unless the infection persists for more than a week. Symptoms of a thrush infection include white patches in the mouth or tongue that may bleed, redness or soreness inside the mouth, or painful cracks in the corners of the mouth. Treatment for thrush depends on the cause and the severity of the infection.

If you have questions or concerns about thrush, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our office, visit www.drcynthiawong.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong in Orland Park, IL, call 708-444-8341.

Traditional Braces – Pain Management

Have you been putting off braces because you fear they are going to hurt? Well, we can’t say that they won’t - because the pain means that the teeth are straightening out - but the good news is that this pain is manageable. The discomfort that you experience from braces can be internal or external and Dr. Cynthia Wong would like to explain the difference between the two and what you can do to manage the pain.

Braces are used to move teeth into their ideal position and align how they bite together. Each person will have a different response to this orthodontic method, but there is likely to be some pain. After visiting Dr. Cynthia Wong for an orthodontic adjustment, your brackets and wires may cause gum inflammation or tooth sensitivity. Many products are available to relieve this pain, such as ibuprofen, or orthodontic wax if the wires are irritating the soft tissues in your mouth. Additionally, to relieve this pain it helps to eat a soft diet for a day or two after receiving braces or having them adjusted. If you can’t eliminate the discomfort on your own, call our office so we can help.

If you have questions or concerns about orthodontic treatment, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our office, visit www.drcynthiawong.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong in Orland Park, IL, call 708-444-8341.

Orthodontics and Oral Piercings

Perhaps you’ve been toying around with the idea of expressing yourself through a lip ring, or a tongue ring. Though oral piercings are a form of expression, it’s important to know what role they play in your oral hygiene. Oral piercings can not only cause pain and swelling in the oral cavity, they also pose a high risk for infection. Dr. Cynthia Wong does not want to discourage you from self-expression, but if you are going to go through with the process, it’s important to wait until your orthodontic treatment is complete.

Fractured teeth are a common problem with people who have oral piercings which are why they are not recommended when braces are in the mouth. This is because every time you swallow, the barbell can hit the teeth. If you already have a tongue piercing or a lip piercing, you should remove your jewelry every time you practice your oral hygiene routine. Brushing and flossing are extra important when you have oral piercings because this lowers your chances for infection.

If you have concerns about the status of your oral hygiene, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our office, visit www.drcynthiawong.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong in Orland Park, IL, call 708-444-8341.

Braces and Gum Disease

The first stage of gum disease, also known as gingivitis, occurs when the tissues around the teeth become inflamed. This is already a pesky problem without braces, but when braces are involved, gum disease becomes a little trickier. While orthodontics can promote periodontal disease, they can also reduce the symptoms of it. The case will depend on the patient and Dr. Cynthia Wong can discuss these issues during a consultation.

It is normal to feel pain in your mouth after receiving new braces or wire adjustments because your teeth are working hard to give you a brand new smile. However, the patient should always be aware of gum disease symptoms because the risk is always there. The patient may experience tender or bleeding gums, as well as redness or swelling. To prevent this from happening, those who wear braces should vigilantly brush after every meal and floss at least once a day. It is important to contact Dr. Cynthia Wong if you are experiencing any pain.

If you are concerned about the status of your periodontal health, please give us a call. To learn more about the services we provide at our office, visit www.drcynthiawong.com for more information. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cynthia Wong in Orland Park, IL, call 708-444-8341.