Let’s Sink Our Teeth into Some Common Misconceptions

Due to an overwhelming amount of information out there, you may be confused by some dental care and oral health myths. At University Associates in Dentistry, we want you to decipher the truth from common misconceptions. Below are a few debunked dental myths so you can optimize your oral health and overall well-being!

MYTH 1: YOUR ORAL HEALTH ISN’T CONNECTED TO YOUR OVERALL WELL-BEING

Fact:

Your mouth can be an entry point for harmful bacteria. An unhealthy mouth can lead to an unhealthy body. Gum disease, most often caused by poor oral health, can lead to heart disease, diabetes, respiratory disease, osteoporosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. If you’ve got gum disease, even routine brushing and flossing can cause breaks in your gums that give those microbes access to the rest of your body. Keeping a good oral care routine and seeing your dentist regularly can significantly reduce the risk of other diseases entering your body.

MYTH 2: AS YOU GET OLDER, THE HEALTH OF YOUR TEETH DETERIORATES

Fact:

If you commit to a solid dental routine and regularly check in with your dentist, you can have excellent oral health leading well into your senior years. As you get older, your oral health can be affected by aging, diseases, or medicines. Because of this, the processes on how to take care of your mouth will change, so be sure to book regular appointments with your dentist to find the best oral care routine for you.

MYTH 3: TEETH WHITENING WILL DAMAGE YOUR TEETH

Fact:

Contrary to popular belief, teeth whitening can be a very safe procedure if done under expert supervision. At UAD, we understand that tooth sensitivity and damage to the roots of teeth are possible. And can assess if you may have problems with sensitivities or root damage and treat accordingly. It’s safer to go with a trusted, dentist-recommended product. We are happy to recommend a professional at-home whitening kit and demonstrate how to use them properly.

MYTH 4: AVOID THE DENTIST WHEN PREGNANT

Fact:

Routine dental care and urgent procedures can both be done any time during pregnancy. We also recommended that our patients keep their regular check-ups during pregnancy because the rise in hormone levels can cause swollen gums, bleeding gums, and food trapped in your gums, resulting in increased irritation. Preventive dental work while pregnant is essential to avoid oral infections such as gum disease.

Conveniently for patients, our dental office in downtown Chicago centralizes everything at a single office. If you are unsure of any dental care information, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us to schedule a free consult by clicking here or giving us a call!

UAD phone number – (312) 704-5511

Located in downtown Chicago at 222 N LaSalle St.

3 Tips to Help You Deal with Dental Anxiety

At UAD, we understand that Dental Anxiety is a real disorder. We know how important it is for our patients to trust us and feel comforted and supported throughout their appointment. The right team will ensure your dental and emotional health are taken care of both short-term and long-term. We hope that we can ease your anxiety to ensure that you come to visit us regularly to make the entire experience – from making an appointment to coasting through it – much easier so you avoid unnecessary oral health complications. 

Here are 3 tips to help ease your anxiety at your next appointment, so you leave smiling!

1.) Read About Us!

If you need some reassurance before making your appointment, ask friends and relatives for dentist recommendations. Or read patient reviews on Yelp! and Google. A glowing review about a dentist can help reduce your anxiety.

2.) Let Us Know!

If you are feeling anxious, we want to know! When making your appointment at our dental office in downtown Chicago, please let a member of our staff know that you get nervous at dental visits. Remind our team about your anxiety when you arrive; trust us, you are not the only one. We all appreciate you sharing any past experiences that made you feel anxious, so we are aware of any specific sensitivities and help you with coping strategies. At UAD, we want you to feel comfortable and cared for at all times! 

3.) Try a Breathing Exercise!

Stress and breath are linked. Avoid holding your breath, which decreases oxygen levels and further increases feelings of anxiety. Instead, focus on slow, regular breathing to help reduce stress levels. When you learn how to manipulate your breath consciously, you can send your brain signals that all is calm and it’s okay to relax. 

We hope these tips will help ease your anxiety when visiting University Associates in Dentistry in downtown Chicago or any other dental practice. If you need to discuss your Dental Anxiety further, please don’t hesitate to get in touch by clicking here or giving us a call!

UAD phone number – (312) 704-5511

Located in downtown Chicago – 222 N LaSalle St.

4 Tips for finding a good dentist

Many people get anxious when searching for a good dentist, but much like any long-term relationship, choosing the right dentist is an important decision based on trust and the ability to deliver on promises. A partner to help keep your teeth, mouth, and gums healthy and prevent dental disease is super important. Poor oral health can contribute to other health risks, including cardiovascular disease. Plus, a beautiful smile enhances your life and the lives of those around you! Below are some tried and true tips for finding the dentist of your dreams!

1. Identify what type of dental work you need. Some examples include; regular checkups and cleanings, sleep habits, apnea, or teeth grinding, cosmetic work, or other aesthetic dental treatments. You can then determine whether you need need a specialist or general dentists. At UAD, you get the advantage of unprecedented access to solutions for all your dental needs, including regular dental care, dental implants, as well as a full spectrum of specialty services.
2. Get Referrals. Ask family, friends, and other healthcare providers for recommendations and start a list. Take the time to research the dentist’s credentials and experience. Call each dentist’s office and request a free consult appointment to meet and interview the dentist to narrow down your list.
3. Read reviews. Reading patient recommendations will answer many questions you have and help add to or eliminate some offices from your list. Check out our review on Yelp! and Google.
4. Choose a dentist who’s a member of the ADA. This ensures that you choose a dentist who has access to a wealth of up-to-date information and resources. They have also agreed to follow the ADA Principles of Ethics and Code of Professional Conduct; basically, they have made a professional promise to put your health and well-being first.

Whether you’re looking for a general dentist or in need of dental implants in the Chicago area, set up a free consult with one of the best dentists in Chicago, our team awaits!

Located at: 222 N LaSalle, #230. Chicago, IL 60601  

UAD phone number: (312) 704-5511

UAD online: www.uadchicago.com/contact

Did you know that the health of your mouth is important to your overall wellbeing? Keeping your mouth clean and healthy helps keep the rest of your body healthy as well. What’s more, a healthy smile makes a good impression on other people and makes you feel more confident. It’s not too hard to achieve, either! Here, we offer some helpful tips for a healthier smile.

• Brush and floss every day. According to the American Dental Association, brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing at least once a day are important steps in keeping your mouth healthy. You should use a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste to brush for two minutes, remembering to brush your tongue as well. Floss between your teeth to remove particles and plaque left behind by your toothbrush.
• Use a therapeutic mouthwash. Rinsing after you’ve brushed and flossed can do more than just freshen your breath. When you rinse for 30-60 seconds at least once a day, you’ll kill bacteria that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
• Eat a nutrient-rich diet. Healthy fruits and vegetables should be the focus of your diet, because they’ll help promote healthy teeth and gums. When you do occasionally indulge in a sweet, sugary food or beverage, be sure to brush your teeth immediately to remove excess sugar from your teeth.
• Don’t smoke! If you do smoke, quit. Smoking is detrimental to every system in your body, and it’s particularly bad for your oral health. The nicotine and tar in cigarettes erode your gums as well as turning your teeth yellow, and smoking creates a welcoming environment for bacteria and plaque. What’s more, it impairs your immune system, making it harder to fight gum disease and infections. It can even increase your risk of bone loss.
• See your dentist regularly. When you’re trying to keep your mouth as healthy as possible, routine oral health exams are extremely important. A general dental appointment every six months is recommended by most dental professionals because this allows your dentist to examine your mouth and catch potential issues early, before they become major problems. At this twice-a-year appointment, the hygienist can professionally clean your teeth and gums, removing any plaque or tartar and polishing your teeth to brighten your smile.

Scheduling regular dental appointments is at the heart of keeping your teeth and gums healthy, and if you’re looking for dentistry services in Chicago, you can have confidence in the team at University Associates in Dentistry. We offer complete dental care at our all-in-one practice, from regular cleanings and routine treatment to complex specialty care and cosmetic dentistry. You can make a dentist appointment in Chicago by calling (312) 704-5511, or visit our website for more information or to set up a complimentary consultation.