Month: September 2016

Dental Care in the 1960s

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Though dental care seems to have advanced in leaps and bounds in recent decades, there was another time in recent history that saw a great advancement in general dentistry. Following the Second World War, the level of technology and sterilization practices changed and improved substantially for the good of dental patients and dentists everywhere.

During the 1960s, sterilization techniques became more sophisticated and safer. Dentists began using sterilized disposable needles and sterilizing their instruments in an autoclave and with cold sterilization. This reduced the number of infections and illnesses caused by unsterile dental practices. High-speed drills and reclining dental chairs were also gaining in popularity and use in dental offices everywhere. The 1960s were also the time when dental restorations, such as dentures, were beginning to be custom-made in specialized laboratories. Many techniques and commonplace objects found in a dentist’s office today were invented and popularized during the 1960s.

Just as general dentistry has advanced, so too has University Associates in Dentistry . We constantly strive to provide our patients with the most up-to-date dental technology, including dental implants and dentures in Chicago. Please call us at (312) 704-5511 to learn more about our growing technology.

Tips for Preventing Cosmetic Dental Problems

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Dentists are always willing to part with a few tips and suggestions to keep their patients’ oral health in good shape. Several of these tips can also address many patients’ cosmetic concerns about the look and color of their teeth and mouth.

Tip #1: Avoid staining foods and liquids.

One of the leading causes of discolored teeth is the various foods and liquids that can cause staining. Tea, wine, soda, and coffee regularly are the primary cause teeth staining. Berries, such as blueberries and blackberries, are also foods that commonly stain teeth. If consuming these foods and liquids regularly, drink plenty of water and/or brush your teeth after you have eaten.

Tip #2: Refrain from smoking.

Smoking cigarettes and chewing tobacco should be avoided at all costs to reduce cosmetic dental problems, as well as oral and dental health issues. Over an extended period of use, patients will notice their teeth begin to yellow and may even turn brown. This can easily be avoided by refraining from smoking.

Tip #3: Prepare during contact sports.

To avoid potentially cracked or dislodged teeth, patients should be mindful of their dental health during contact sports. In sports dentistry, patients are recommended to wear a custom mouth guard while playing football, hockey, and other contact sports. If a patient is hit in the mouth, he or she should visit a dentist to ensure there are no dental problems.

Tip #4: Practice good oral hygiene.

In addition to the previous tips, patients should always practice a strong, daily dental routine. By brushing at least twice a day and flossing once a day, patients can help negate daily staining effects brought on by foods and drinks. These daily practices also help prevent periodontal issues that might affect the teeth and gums.

Call University Associates in Dentistry at (312) 704-5511 to learn more about our cosmetic dentistry in Chicago. Our dentists and staff can recommend several cosmetic procedures , such as teeth whitening and porcelain veneers, to address all of our patients’ concerns.

What Are the Symptoms of Sleep Apnea?

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Sleep apnea is a disorder that affects 1 in 6 people. It has the potential to be extremely dangerous to your health, as it greatly raises your risk for heart attacks, strokes, and high blood pressure. Sleep apnea involves your airways being blocked during sleep, which causes you to wake up possibly hundreds of times per night without knowing it. Risk factors for developing sleep apnea include weight gain, alcohol or sedative use, a large neck, smoking, gender (male), age, and high blood pressure.

Often the first obvious sign of sleep apnea is loud snoring on a regular basis. If your spouse wakes you up by snoring-or to tell you that you’re snoring-you’ll want to ask yourself or your partner these questions:

  • Have you ever slept all night just to wake up feeling exhausted?
  • Do you often wake up with headaches?
  • Do you have a tendency to fall asleep in the middle of the day, maybe even at inconvenient times like meetings?
  • Are you afraid you might fall asleep at the wheel?

All of these are symptoms of sleep apnea. Thankfully this condition is highly treatable. If you live in the Chicago area and think you or a loved one may be suffering from this serious sleep disorder, contact University Associates in Dentistry at 312-704-5511 and learn about our alternative treatments and devices today.

University Associates in Dentistry