Month: December 2019

Chicago IL Cosmetic Dentist | Are You Brushing your Teeth Properly?

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Many people are surprised to learn that, for years, they have actually been brushing their teeth the wrong way. Brushing your teeth the wrong way may cause oral health problems. Learn how to brush your teeth the right way and you will protect them for many years to come.
Chicago IL Cosmetic Dentist | Are You Brushing your Teeth Properly?

The common way people brush their teeth is the back and forth motion, similar to sawing back and forth, until you feel like your teeth are clean and slippery. This is the wrong way to brush your teeth. This motion causes you to scrub away tooth enamel, which will make your teeth sensitive to hot and cold liquids and food much sooner then they normally would be. This sawing motion is very abrasive to your teeth and gums. Over brushing can increase your chances of developing cavities and receding gums. This method also does not clean effectively. Since the bristles are moving back and forth, they are essentially bouncing from one tooth to the next, which causes you to miss the spaces in between the teeth to remove plaque and other tiny particles of food.

So what is the proper way to brush your teeth? Start by placing your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to where the teeth meet the gums. Then gently move your toothbrush back and forth and making sure the bristles cover each tooth and work their way around the sides of the tooth. This method allows you to find all of the food particles and plaque in the spaces between your teeth.

The importance of brushing teeth properly is overlooked, but it is an important part of keeping your teeth and gums healthy. Using the right method to brush your teeth will prevent plaque build-up that is harmful and can lead to many oral health problems. Brushing properly will prevent:

• Gingivitis: a gum disease that develops when there is plaque beneath the gum line and separated the teeth from gums
• Cavities: permanent damages in the form of tiny hold on the hard surface of the teeth
• Tooth Decay: damage that occurs when bacteria in your mouth make acids that eat away at a tooth

It’s not easy to relearn brushing after you’ve been using one method. Switching over will take some getting used to, but the results will speak for themselves. If you have any questions regarding the correct method of brushing your teeth, please contact our office.

What Causes Bad Breath?

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Chronic bad breath is often a sign of a serious dental problem, and should be investigated by your dentist right away. Temporary bad breath may be caused by dehydration, or forgetting to brush your teeth. Chronic bad breath can be caused by tooth decay, gum disease, infection, or oral cancer.

Watch this video from the American Dental Association to learn more about the most common causes of bad breath. As harmful bacteria build up in your mouth, it combines with food particles, resulting in unpleasant breath.

If you suffer from chronic bad breath, you should visit one of our general dentists in Chicago for a dental consultation. During your dental exam, your dentist will check for signs of dental problems that may be causing your bad breath. To schedule an appointment, call our office today at (312) 704-5511.

Chicago IL Cosmetic Dentist | Gum Health and Alzheimer’s Disease

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Your gum health may have an impact on your cognitive function. One recent study found a correlation between gum disease and increased cognitive decline for people living with early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. While more studies are needed to make a definitive connection, this study illustrates the importance of continuing the conversation about oral health and its impact on your entire body.
Chicago IL Cosmetic Dentist | Gum Health and Alzheimer’s Disease

Details of the Study
The study was administered by King’s College London and the University of Southampton. It observed 59 patients with early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Blood tests were utilized to examine inflammatory markers present in the bloodstream, while patients’ dental health was examined by dental hygienists.

What it Found
The study found that patients with gum disease experienced cognitive decline at a rate 6 times faster than those without gum disease. The study suggested that the body’s reaction to inflammation may be responsible for causing the rapid decrease in brain function.

Importance of Healthy Gums
Previous studies have determined that gum disease can increase your risk of developing complications such as heart disease and stroke. Maintaining healthy gums is essential to staying healthy overall. You can keep your gums healthy by following good daily oral hygiene habits. This includes brushing twice each day for two minutes, as well as flossing regularly.

For those living with Alzheimer’s disease, it is imperative to maintain good oral health. If you are a caregiver of someone with the disease, make sure they are following an effective daily oral hygiene routine, as well as visiting our office for regular examinations. Keeping your gums healthy may be one key to keeping your body and brain healthy throughout your lifetime.

For more information about gum health, or to schedule your next visit to our office, please contact us.

What Causes Sleep Apnea?

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sleep apnea treatment Chicago

Without proper sleep apnea treatment from a dentist , sleep apnea can be a serious, and even life-threatening, sleep disorder. The frequent sleep interruptions resulting from sleep apnea can cause an irregular heartbeat and increased blood pressure, which increase your risk of suffering a stroke, heart attack, diabetes, and obesity. Here is a look at the primary causes of sleep apnea.

Smaller than Average Windpipe
The size of your windpipe is affected by the bone structure of your head and neck. If your windpipe is smaller than average, it is more difficult for your airway to remain open while you’re lying down. When you lie down, more pressure is placed on the muscles of your neck, windpipe, and tongue. If your tongue and tonsils are larger than your windpipe, they can obstruct your airway when they are under pressure, causing sleep apnea .

Windpipe Obstruction Due to Obesity
As you gain weight, the fatty tissues in the walls of your windpipe will thicken, and causes your airway to narrow. As the muscles of your throat relax during sleep, your airway will narrow even further, leading to windpipe obstruction and breathing difficulties. When your brain senses your inability to breathe, it will briefly awaken you to restore breathing.

The Brain Fails to Transmit Signals to Muscles
Though it is rare, sleep apnea can sometimes be caused by your brain’s failure to transmit the right signals to the muscles that are responsible for controlling your breathing. This can occur as a result of the aging process. Your body will make no effort to breathe for a brief period of time, and you may awaken feeling short of breath, and have a difficult time falling asleep or staying asleep.

If you’re in need of sleep apnea treatment in Chicago , you should visit one of our experienced dentists at University Associates in Dentistry. We recommend oral appliance therapy using custom-fitted oral appliances as an alternative to CPAP or corrective surgery. To schedule a dental consultation with one of our dentists to discuss your sleep apnea treatment options, call us today at (312) 704-5511.

Chicago IL Cosmetic Dentist | 5 Tips for Denture Wearers

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Taking care of your dentures can seem like an added chore. Don’t worry, with a little effort your dentures can stay clean. Here are 5 tips for keeping your dentures clean and your smile healthy.
Chicago IL Cosmetic Dentist | 5 Tips for Denture Wearers
1. Rinse Thoroughly
Prior to brushing, it helps to rinse your dentures off. Run them through water to help wash away food and other small particles. Be extra careful when handling your fragile dentures. Avoid using hot or boiling water, as that could damage your dentures.

2. Clean Your Dentures
Just as you would brush your teeth, your dentures need to be brushed as well. Never use cleaning solutions while your dentures are in. Rather, remove your dentures and carefully brush using a soft toothbrush. Avoid using whitening toothpastes or harsh cleaning materials like bleach products. Talk to our dentist about the right type of cleaner for your dentures. Using too strong a solution can cause damage to your dentures.

3. Don’t Forget to Brush Your Teeth
You still need to take care of your natural teeth. Brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush. Be gentle when brushing and cleaning your gums. Cleaning your gums will help you reduce your risk of developing an oral infection. If your toothbrush is too rough on your gums, an alternative is to use gauze. Be sure to come see us if you are experiencing gum pain and we can make recommendations.

4. Keep Them Covered
When you remove your dentures for bed, be sure to keep them in a covered container overnight. Use a denture-soaking solution to keep them clean overnight. Water works as a substitute, as your dentures need moisture to retain their shape. If you have any questions about storing your dentures, talk to us and we’ll help you.

5. Care with Adhesives
It can sometimes be difficult to remove your dentures with an adhesive. If you are having trouble, try swishing warm water or a mouthwash around your mouth. Never use any cleaning solution, tool, or foreign object to remove your dentures. Take special care to ensure the grooves of your dentures that attach to your gums are clean and free of adhesive.

When taken care of properly, your dentures will provide you with a lasting smile. Be vigilant in keeping up with cleaning your dentures. If you have any questions about caring for your dentures, get in touch with our office. We would be happy to work with you to figure out a solution for your denture concerns.

For more tips on keeping your mouth healthy or to schedule your next appointment, contact us today.

How Can Veneers Help You?

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As many people know, there’s not much that can make or break a first impression like a smile. While not everyone was gifted with a naturally perfect set of pearly whites, there are many cosmetic dentistry options that can enhance one’s appearance and provide an extra boost of confidence. One simple option that your general dentist may be able to offer you is veneers. Here is a look at how veneers can help you:

Dental Veneers in Chicago Fill Gaps
For a variety of reasons, some people have gaps between their teeth that make for a less-than-stellar smile. Braces can often close these gaps, but sometimes braces are either unnecessary or inadequate. If you have a misshapen or damaged tooth creating a gap in an otherwise straight and bright smile, a porcelain veneer can fix what braces could not. Alternatively, you may have had your teeth aligned with braces only to find that you have small teeth that create gaps when they are properly spaced. A set of veneers will add some surface area to your teeth, giving you a fuller smile. This is not always a purely cosmetic matter; your dentist may recommend veneers to improve chewing function.

Correct Surface Imperfections
Many people have one tooth that bothers them for some reason. Perhaps it was cracked or chipped at some point, perhaps it was stained, or maybe it has experienced hypocalcification. In some of these cases, there are simple treatment options that can be handled at home or by your dentist, such as teeth whitening. Other times, the best course of action is to have your dentist remove a small layer of your tooth’s surface and apply a veneer. Porcelain veneers can offer a solution to cracked teeth, deep stains, chips, and other imperfections.

With veneers, you can have the full smile you want. Cosmetic dentistry in Chicago can help you smile with confidence and chew your meals comfortably. To learn more about veneers or seek a dental consultation for any other dental concerns, contact University Associates in Dentistry by calling (312) 704-5511 today.

Chicago IL Cosmetic Dentist | Dental Care Tips While Traveling

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When you are traveling, it can be challenging to keep up with your usual daily routine. For many people, this can include having difficulty finding the time to properly brush and floss. Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, we have gathered a few helpful tips to help you stay on track with your oral health while you are away from home.
Chicago IL Cosmetic Dentist | Dental Care Tips While Traveling

Pack Wisely
Be sure you are traveling with enough toothpaste and floss to last your entire trip, if possible. If space is tight, travel sized products can be a great option. You may also wish to purchase a disposable toothbrush for use during your travels. These often require less space and will not cause distress if accidentally left behind. Some disposable toothbrushes even come with toothpaste already applied. These can be ideal for a one-day trip.

Cover Your Toothbrush
When you travel, you are likely to encounter new and varied germs along the way. Whether you are at a hotel or visiting family, you may be required to share surfaces used by many other people. Consider using a toothbrush cover that slips over the head of your toothbrush to protect it from contact with sinks or nightstands.

Drink Water
One fun part of travel is being able to eat and experiment with new and unusual foods. However, eating and drinking sugary or acidic drinks can be damaging to your teeth. Drinking water is an excellent way to wash away bacteria, as well as helping neutralize the acids that damage tooth enamel. Water also stimulates the flow of saliva, which helps to keep your teeth strong and healthy.

Don’t Break Your Good Habits
Be sure to continue your daily oral hygiene routine while you travel. This should include brushing for two minutes, twice each day, as well as regular flossing. Traveling can make this difficult to fit in, but doing so will keep your mouth healthy.

Travel can be both fun and stressful. Don’t lose track of time and forget to brush and floss. Your teeth depend on regular, thorough care. After your return, schedule a visit with us. We will provide a comprehensive cleaning and examination while you tell us about your trip.

To schedule your next visit to our office, please contact our team.

Fixing Chipped Teeth

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Chipped Tooth in Chicago

A chipped tooth may be minor, but it can still cause dental complications. If you have received an oral or facial injury from any sports activities, be sure to contact your dentist. It is always best to be proactive and prevent further damage.

Your dentist can assess the amount of damage to your tooth and decide whether it needs to be fixed. He or she will also be able to identify further dental problems associated with the crack. In the worst case, a broken tooth can cause nerve exposure, which can be quite painful and lead to more complications. For these reasons, it is important to see your dentist for a damaged tooth. The severity of a chipped tooth can vary, as well as the treatment for such. Your dentist can repair a small chip with a filling or bonding, which is a tooth-colored resin that fills in the chipped space to look like your natural tooth.

The dentists at University Associates in Dentistry of Chicago specialize in cosmetic dentistry, as well as sports dentistry. We are prepared to restore any damage your teeth may sustain. For more information about our services, please call 312-704-5511 or visit us online.

University Associates in Dentistry