
Mason, Faith & Hoscheit Care Passionately About Helping Take Care of Your Teeth
We have been providing quality dental care to families in the Fox Valley since 1969. Our commitment to patient satisfaction and customer service has afforded us a long and rich history in St. Charles, Illinois.
Simplify your dental visit by filling out all your patient forms in advance! Pre-register with our office ahead of time by completing our secure, online patient forms below. Protecting your personal data is one of our primary concerns and we have taken every precautionary measure to secure your data.
If you have any questions about the forms, please feel free to contact us. We also offer access to the registration forms via iPads in our office for your convenience.
Your safety is our top priority. We adhere to all CDC and State of Illinois Dental Society guidelines. Following the Illinois mandate, masks are required in all health care facilities. Please wear a mask to all appointments.

Our Care & Treatments
We also offer treatments that improve the appearance of your smile – giving you the confidence boost you deserve.
Preventive Hygiene
General Dentistry
Cosmetic Dentistry
Invisalign
Children’s Dentistry
Restorative Dentistry
Emergencies
Same Day Dentistry
Teeth Whitening

We have been going to this office for almost 15 years! We can’t say enough – from the front desk staff, to the hygienists, to the dentists, everyone is kind and welcoming! Great place to bring the whole family!
Kai G.
Patient

Frequently Asked Questions
Many people do not see a dentist on a regular basis. They go only when they have a problem. We call this “crisis treatment” as opposed to “preventive treatment.” While these patients may feel they are saving money, it usually ends up costing much more in both dollars and time. The reason for this is that most dental problems do not have any symptoms until they reach the advanced stages of the disease process. A simple example is tooth decay. We often hear, “Nothing hurts…I don’t have any problems.”
But tooth decay does not hurt! Until, that is, it gets close to the nerve of the tooth. By that time, root canal treatment followed by a post, buildup, and crown are often necessary, instead of the filling which could have been placed several years earlier when the cavity was just beginning to form. Your dentist can usually detect a cavity 3-4 years before it develops any symptoms. It is not uncommon to see a patient with a huge cavity and who has never felt a thing! This is why regular checkups are important – so why not schedule yours today?
You can certainly minimize the number of cavities you get. Always spend two to three minutes brushing your teeth. It takes that long to get rid of the bacteria which destroy tooth enamel. Do not brush too hard. It takes very little pressure to remove bacteria and plaque. Floss at least once a day. It is the only way to get bacteria from between your teeth.
Watch the sugar you eat. There is sugar in candy, fruits, crackers and chips. These are the foods that the bacteria in your mouth like best. Be mindful of foods like raisins and peanut butter that stick to your teeth. They can provide a constant supply for the bacteria eating into your teeth. Try to minimize the times during the day when sweet items are eaten and clean your teeth afterwards.
If you cannot brush after a meal, rinse your mouth with water—which can help to remove food from your teeth. Chewing sugarless gum after a meal can also help. Chewing stimulates the flow of saliva which acts as a natural plaque-fighting substance.
Do not forget your regular dental visits. Good dental habits will go a long way toward a no-cavity visit.
Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in many foods and in water. Some natural sources of fluoride are brewed tea, canned fish, cooked kale and spinach, apples, and skim milk. Some city water contains fluoride, so by drinking tap water you will acquire fluoride. If your drinking water does not have fluoride, supplements are available.
The lack of exposure to fluoride places individuals of any age at risk for dental decay. Fluoride is important to dental health because it helps prevent tooth decay by making the enamel outer portion of the tooth more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria in the mouth.
Studies have shown that children who consumed fluoridated water from birth had less dental decay. Fluoride can reverse early decay.
Talk to your dentist or dental hygienist about whether you’re getting the daily amount of fluoride you need.
Periodontal disease is inflammation and infection of the gums and supporting bone structure, which if left untreated, can cause permanent jaw bone destruction and possible tooth loss. Untreated periodontal disease has been linked to increased risk for conditions such as heart disease, stroke, low birth weight babies and pre-term delivery, respiratory disease, and prostate cancer. An advanced stage of periodontal disease exhibits inflamed gums pulling away from your bone and teeth. Other signs of periodontal disease include:
- Bad breath
- Red or swollen gums
- Loose teeth or teeth that have moved
- Sensitive teeth
- Pus coming from around the teeth
- Pain on chewing
- Tender gums
- Bleeding gums
Treatment of early periodontal disease can be performed in-office. However, advanced stages may require surgery. Periodontal disease can be prevented and treated successfully by seeing your dentist and dental hygienist regularly and following recommended care plans.
If you choose to whiten your teeth, the length of time you can expect it to last will vary based on your daily habits. If you smoke, drink red wine or coffee, or consume other acid-containing foods regularly, your bright smile may begin to yellow more quickly than you expect. In general, good results from a teeth whitening procedure can last from many months to a few years depending on the condition of your teeth and the whitening system used. Even though the results can fade, occasional touch-ups can be done to regain luster.
Ask our experienced staff at about the long-term benefits of teeth whitening.
Commercial whitening toothpastes vary greatly in their ability to whiten teeth. They work by removing surface stains from the teeth with the use of mild abrasives. However, unlike professional whitening, some whitening toothpastes do not alter the intrinsic color of the teeth. Toothpastes that are effective in removing stains can also destroy tooth enamel in the process. These toothpastes use harsh abrasives. With repeated use, harsh abrasives begin to damage tooth enamel and can contribute to increased tooth sensitivity. If you would like to try a whitening toothpaste, consult with your dentist first.
Smokeless tobacco may be smokeless, but it isn’t harmless. These are some of the potential hazards:
- Tooth abrasion from grit and sand in tobacco can scratch teeth and wear away the enamel.
- The constant irritation caused by chewing tobacco can result in gum recession and other permanent damage to periodontal tissue.
- Increased tooth decay can result from sugar that is added to smokeless tobacco.
- Tooth discoloration and bad breath are common with long term use.
- Nicotine blood levels are similar to those found in cigarettes.
- A diminished sense of taste and smell caused by tobacco use can lead to unhealthy eating habits.
- Cancer can be caused by all forms of smokeless tobacco.
Watch out for some of these danger signs:
- A sore that does not heal
- A lump or white patch
- A prolonged sore throat
- Difficulty in chewing
- Restricted movement of the tongue or jaw
- A feeling of something in the throat
Pain is rarely an early symptom. All tobacco users need to see their dentist regularly.
A mouthguard can prevent injuries to your face and teeth. Most people benefit from wearing a mouthguard when playing any sport. You should wear one whether you are playing professionally or just on weekends. Do what you can to preserve your smile and your health. The best mouthguards are custom-fitted by your dentist. This is especially important if you wear braces or fixed bridgework.
Commercial, ready-made mouthguards can be purchased at most sporting goods stores. They are relatively inexpensive but they are also less effective. In either case, rinse your mouthguard with water or mouthwash after each use. With proper care, it should last for several months.
About half of women who are pregnant experience a condition called pregnancy gingivitis. This condition can be uncomfortable and cause swelling, bleeding, redness or tenderness in the gum tissue. This is a result of increased hormonal activity during pregnancy and often resolves shortly after the baby is born.
A more advanced oral health condition called periodontal disease (see above) may affect the health of your baby. Studies have shown a relationship between periodontal disease and preterm, low birth-weight babies. Studies have shown a relationship between periodontal disease and preterm, low birth-weight babies. The likely culprit is a labor-inducing chemical found in oral bacteria called prostaglandin. Very high levels of prostaglandin are found in women with severe cases of periodontal disease. Consult with your dentist and hygienist about these conditions and we will give you the tools you need for healthy teeth, bone levels, and gums during your pregnancy.
While those patients who wear dentures no longer have to worry about dental decay or gum disease, they may have concerns with ill fitting appliances or mouth sores. Annual visits to the dentist (or sooner if soreness is present) are recommended. During these visits an oral cancer screening and head and neck exam will be performed. Also, we will evaluate the fit of the existing appliances. Regular visits can help you to avoid more complicated problems down the road even with a denture.
You should floss to reduce the number of bacteria in your mouth. There are millions of these microscopic creatures feeding on food particles left on your teeth. This bacteria lives in plaque which can be removed by flossing. Brushing your teeth gets rid of some of the bacteria in your mouth. Flossing gets rid of the bacteria your toothbrush can’t get to, which is the bacteria hiding in the tiny spaces between your teeth. Brushing without flossing is like washing only half your face. The other half remains dirty.
If you do not floss, you allow plaque to remain between your teeth. Eventually it hardens into tartar. Plaque can be removed by brushing. Only your dentist can remove tartar.
Ask your dentist to show you the proper way to floss. You will both notice the difference at your next cleaning appointment.
Many diseases of the teeth and surrounding tissues cannot be seen when your dentist examines your mouth. An X-ray examination may reveal:
- Small areas of decay between the teeth or below existing restorations (fillings)
- Infections in the bone
- Periodontal (gum) disease
- Abscesses or cysts
- Developmental abnormalities
- Some types of tumors
Finding and treating dental problems at an early stage can save time, money and often unnecessary discomfort. Dental radiographs can detect damage to oral structures not visible during a regular exam. If you have a hidden tumor, radiographs may even help save your life. Your dentist will evaluate your need for radiographs based on the conditions present in your mouth. The schedule for radiographs can vary with age, risk for disease or for evaluation of growth and development. There are many benefits to having dental radiographs taken. Any additional questions or concerns should be discussed with your dentist.
Sensitivity toothpaste can be very effective in treating sensitive teeth. After a few weeks of use you may notice a decrease in sensitivity. Highly acidic foods such as oranges, grapefruits and lemons, as well as tea and soda can increase tooth sensitivity, and work against any sensitivity toothpaste. If you do not get relief by brushing gently and using a desensitizing toothpaste, see your dentist. There are special compounds that can be applied in office to the roots of your teeth to reduce the sensitivity. High-fluoride containing home care products can also be recommended to help reduce tooth sensitivity.
Oral injuries are often painful, and should be treated by a dentist as soon as possible.
- Attempt to find the tooth.
- Rinse, do not scrub, the tooth to remove dirt or debris.
- Place the clean tooth in your mouth between your cheek and gum or under your tongue.
- Do not attempt to replace the tooth into the socket as this could cause further damage.
- Get to the dentist. Successful re-implantation is possible only when treatment is performed promptly.
If it is not possible to store the tooth in the mouth of the injured person, wrap the tooth in a clean cloth or gauze and immerse it in milk.
The exact cause of canker sores is not known. Some factors may include genetics, allergies, stress, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Trauma to the inside of the mouth can result in the development of canker sores. Ill-fitting dentures or braces, toothbrush trauma from brushing too hard, or biting your cheek, may produce canker sores.
Certain foods may also be a factor. Citrus or acidic fruits and vegetables can trigger a canker sore or make the problem worse. Foods like chips, pretzels and hard candies have sharp edges that can nick and injure the soft tissue of the mouth.
To treat a canker sore, rinse your mouth with antimicrobial mouthwash or warm water and salt. Over the counter treatments are also available.
If the canker sore is present longer than two weeks, see your dentist.
People often respond to bleeding gums with the wrong method of treatment. Usually, gums that bleed are a symptom of the onset of periodontal disease or gingivitis. What we often see is that people stop brushing frequently and effectively when they notice their gums bleeding because it may be painful. However, Instead, when gums are inflamed, brushing often and effectively is imperative. If this happens for more than two weeks, you should see your dentist in order to determine the level of disease present and the best treatment course to pursue.
Many factors work to destroy the naturally white smile we are born with. Tobacco, certain foods we eat, and certain drinks actually stain teeth. These substances continually work on our teeth causing our white smile to gradually fade. Hot coffee and tea are especially hazardous to your smile because they change the temperature of your teeth. This temperature change—hot and cold cycling—causes the teeth to expand and contract allowing stains to penetrate the teeth. Cutting down on coffee and tea can go a long way to creating a great smile.
Foods that are slightly acidic are also dangerous to your white smile. These foods open up the pores of the tooth enamel allowing stains to move more easily into the tooth.
Your dentist can help you with more tips on keeping a white smile.
Research today suggests a link between gum disease and diabetes. Research has established that people with diabetes are more prone to gum disease. If your blood glucose levels are poorly controlled, you may be more likely to develop gum disease and could potentially lose some of your teeth. Like all infections, gum disease can be a factor in causing blood sugar levels to rise and make diabetes harder to control. Be sure to see your dentist regularly for check-ups and follow home care recommendations. If you notice other conditions such as dry mouth or bleeding gums be sure to talk with your dentist, and don’t forget to mention any changes in medications.
There are certain conditions that require pre-medication with an antibiotic prior to dental treatment to prevent adverse affects and infection that can be caused by bacteria that enter the blood stream during certain treatment. You will want to consult with your dentist about this prior to treatment.
Patients Requiring Pre-Medication Prior to Dental Visits
Please Read!
The American Heart Association and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons have determined that there are some conditions that require you to take medication prior to your next dental visit. Some of these conditions include, but are not limited to:
- Unrepaired cyanotic congenital heart disease, including palliative shunts and conduits.
- Completely repaired congenital heart defect with prosthetic material or device, whether placed by surgery or by catheter intervention, during the first 6 months after the procedure.
- Repaired congenital heart disease with residual defects at the site or adjacent to the site of a prosthetic patch or prosthetic device.
- Artificial joints.
If you have or have had any of these conditions, pre-medication or clarification from your physician will be necessary before any dental treatment can be provided to you due to the health risks involved.
Please contact us at your earliest convenience concerning any of the listed medical conditions or if you have further questions.
Chemotherapy and radiation can cause a number of problems in the mouth, some of which might include: mouth sores, infections, dry mouth, bleeding of the gums and lining of the mouth and general soreness and pain of the mouth. It can be harder to control these things while undergoing treatment as the immune system is generally compromised as a result of the treatment. There are some special mouth rinses that can be prescribed to help with discomfort during treatment. It is very important to see your dentist before treatment begins and then to continue with recommended follow-up care. These treatments can cause dry mouth, and recommendations might be made for additional care both in-office and at home.