A mouth guard is an oral device made from a durable plastic material that is designed to cover the upper teeth, providing protection in the event of a direct blow to the face during sporting activities. Your dentist may recommend that you wear a mouth guard if you play contact sports. Different types of mouth guards are available, including custom-made devices, stock mouth guards, and boil-and-bite devices. Continue reading to learn tips on how to care for your mouth guard.

Clean It Regularly
Your mouth contains bacteria that can lead to problems if not removed daily through brushing and flossing. These bacteria may also build up along the inside of your mouth guard, increasing the need for routine cleaning and disinfection. You can  keep your mouth guard clean  by scrubbing it with a non-abrasive brush and regular toothpaste before and after each use. You may also want to rinse your mouth guard in cool soapy water to remove debris.

Store It in a Ventilated Container
It is important to store your mouth guard in a well-ventilated plastic container when it is not in use. This will both prevent the growth of mold or mildew and keep your mouth guard safe from damage.

Keep It Out of Direct Sunlight
Direct sunlight and hot temperatures may warp your mouth guard and change the way it fits in your mouth. For this reason, you should keep your mouth guard container out of direct sunlight at all times.

Assess It for Damage
It is a good idea to check your mouth guard periodically for signs of damage, such as tears and holes. If you do find a problem, contact your dentist as soon as possible to find out if you need a new mouth guard. 

To get more information on sports mouth guards or to learn about bruxism mouth guards, call University Associates in Dentistry at (312) 704-5511. We provide custom mouth guards and also offer All-on-4 dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, and permanent denture replacement.  You can  visit our website  to find out more about the dentistry services we offer in Chicago.

With so many models and variations to choose from, finding the right toothbrush for your dental needs is not always easy. This is especially true when you take both manual and electric toothbrushes into consideration.

This video provides several tips on choosing between an electric and manual toothbrush. Both types of toothbrushes can effectively clean your teeth and reduce the risk of health complications if used appropriately. However, electric toothbrushes often benefit individuals who struggle to clean those hard-to reach places, suffer from mobility conditions or arthritis, and those who tend to irritate their gums with vigorous brushing strokes. Watch this clip for information on the different types of manual and electric toothbrushes available.

Learn how you can protect your oral health by contacting University Associates in Dentistry online or at (312) 704-5511. We are your Chicago resource for high-quality  restorative dentistry , cosmetic dentistry, and All-on-4 dental implants. 

In previous years, patients who needed to have dental procedures performed on their teeth, gums, or jawbones were forced to rely on a traditional dental drill. However, recent advancements have led to the development of laser dentistry. Continue reading to learn all about the uses and indications for this procedure.

Uses of Laser Dentistry
Laser dentistry is a specific treatment method which utilizes patented laser technology to complete restorative and cosmetic procedures. Dentists may use laser dentistry to remove decay from within a tooth, prepare surrounding enamel for a composite resin or metal filling, cure or harden a filling once it has been placed, reshape “gummy smiles,” or remove bacteria from the pulp chamber during a root canal. Laser dentistry may also be used to biopsy or remove small pieces of abnormal tissue, oral lesions, and cysts. In some cases, lasers may be used to perform in-office teeth whitening procedures in order to activate the whitening product and provide optimal results.

Benefits of Laser Dentistry
There are a number of  benefits associated with laser dentistry . Not only does the laser reduce the need for anesthetic, but it also helps to reduce anxiety by eliminating the need for a dental drill. Dental lasers also minimize bleeding and swelling of the soft tissues to help preserve more of the original tooth structure during cavity removal. Laser dentistry is a preferred treatment method among both dentists and patients because it is not associated with the same pain, discomfort, heat, or vibration that comes with using a traditional dental drill.

With several years of experience, the dentists at University Associates in Dentistry are proud to offer the high-quality laser dentistry services you need. Our Chicago providers also offer All-on-4 dental implants, cosmetic dentistry treatments, restorative dentistry procedures, and general dentistry services like cleanings and oral cancer screenings.  Contact us online  or call (312) 704-5511 to set up an initial consultation. 

In addition to visiting your dentist every six months for a routine cleaning, there are many simple steps you can take to ensure the health of your teeth and gums. Look no further than the links provided below to get all of the dental facts you will need to keep your mouth looking and feeling great. To schedule a cleaning at University Associates in Dentistry or to inquire about our other  general dentistry services,  call us at (312) 704-5511 or visit us online today.

• There are plenty of myths out there regarding root canals . You can put those rumors to rest by reading this article from the American Association of Endodontists.
• If you would like to know more about the root canal procedure and what to expect after recovery, be sure to check out this article from WebMD.
• Did you know that tooth bonding often requires no anesthesia? You can learn more about the benefits of dental bonding by visiting this page from the Colgate Oral and Dental Health Resource Center.
• The tooth-brushing tips in this Huffington Post article are a must-read for those trying to improve their oral hygiene routine.
• This article from EverydayHealth.com offers additional information about dental bonding . 

For many  restorative dentistry  patients, it can be difficult to know what to expect from a procedure. In particular, patients may have heard rumors and stories from others about root canal treatment. Many of these stories are simply myths about the root canal procedure. Listed below are three of the most common root canal myths, busted.

Myth: The Pain Involved Doesn’t Make Treatment Worthwhile
This myth is a common one that is simply not true. Restorative dentists are skilled in performing root canal procedures with the least amount of pain possible, and can provide an anesthetic to prevent any discomfort. In addition, a root canal procedure actually alleviates the pain caused by the infected tooth pulp.

Myth: Bacteria Can Become Displaced and Cause Infection or Disease
As your Chicago restorative dentistry team will assure you, bacteria will not be transmitted from your mouth to other body parts during a root canal. In fact, one of the best ways to eliminate dangerous bacteria in the mouth is through a root canal.

Myth: The Results Are Only Temporary
Fortunately for patients, this is also a false myth. When your Chicago restorative dentist performs the root canal procedure , he or she will remove the blood supply to the tooth, along with the central nerve. Next, your dentist will cap the tooth with a crown. When this process is performed correctly, patients have no future problems with the treated tooth.

If you still have questions concerning your upcoming root canal, be sure to speak with your dentist here at University Associates in Dentistry. We make it one of our professional goals to pass on our expert knowledge to patients like you, ensuring that you always feel informed and empowered regarding your oral health. Call us at (312) 704-5511 or visit our website to learn more about our general dentistry services. 

While many people are aware of which foods are bad for dental health , they may not be so familiar with the types of foods that can actually promote strong and healthy teeth. This video provides some great tips for tooth-friendly snacking.

When reaching for a snack during the day, choose something with a high water content that will assist in flushing particles and acid out of the mouth. Two great snack items that fit this description are apples and carrots. Snacks that are low in sugar and starches, such as raw almonds and yogurt, help prevent the buildup of bacteria in the mouth.

Would you like to learn more about caring for your teeth? You can schedule your next  oral health checkup  by calling University Associates in Dentistry today at (312) 704-5511. 

If you’ve recently experienced surface damage to one of your teeth, you may want to talk to your Chicago dentist about restoring it using dental bonding. Unlike dental implants or crowns, dental bonding is used to restore the appearance and functionality of teeth with minor damage. Here is a guide to determining whether dental bonding is the right option for you:

You Lead a Busy Everyday Life
Dental bonding is used to restore teeth that have been chipped, discolored, or damaged by decay or an accident. Those who opt to restore teeth using a dental bonding procedure often do so because it’s less time consuming than comparable restorative dentistry procedures, like veneers. Those leading a busy life full of family, work, and social commitments can conveniently be treated in less than one hour.

You Prefer Procedures That Don’t Require Anesthetic
If you are among the many restorative dentistry patients who prefer undergoing procedures that do not require any anesthetic, dental bonding could be the correct option for you. The only case in which dental bonding would require anesthetic is if the bonding were used to fill a cavity.

Your Daily Habits and Hygiene Won’t Affect the Outcome
Those who choose dental bonding for treatment of chipped or decayed teeth need to take special steps to prevent staining. Smoking can easily stain the bonds, so smokers should discuss an alternative treatment with their restorative dentist unless they can commit to quitting. Other habits that will result in stains or cause the bonding to break are nail biting and frequent coffee or wine drinking.

You can learn more about how dental bonding can improve the look and strength of your teeth by contacting Chicago’s University Associates in Dentistry . Dental bonding is just one of the many cosmetic dentistry procedures that our dentists utilize to give clients the smiles of their dreams. To learn more about our services, call us today at (312) 704-5511. 

Your oral health is an important aspect of your overall wellness, so it’s essential to work with your dentist to maintain your smile. To learn more about good oral health habits and how dental implants can improve your smile, take a look at the following links:

• Learn more about gum disease and the devastating effects it can cause over time, including tooth and bone loss, on EverydayHealth.com.
• Many people experience changes in their appearance as they age as a result of dental conditions , such as bone loss or gum disease. Learn more about these conditions on Livestrong.com.
• For more information about dental implant placement , check out this article from the Colgate Oral and Dental Health Resource Center.
• Consider the advantages of dental implants outlined in this article by the Academy of Osseointegration.
• Take a look at this article from the Discovery Fit & Health website to learn more about the importance of flossing .

At University Associates in Dentistry , we offer dental implants and cosmetic dentistry to help keep you smiling brightly for a lifetime. Our dentists offer both general and restorative dentistry, as well as sleep apnea treatments, to give you a healthier outlook on life. For more information about our dental practice, click through our webpage or call (312) 704-5511.

Your gums are an important part of your dental anatomy and play a bigger role in your oral health than you may realize. With simple routine dental care, however, you can keep your gums healthy and your smile beautiful. To learn more about how crucial it is to keep your gums healthy and how your  cosmetic dentist  can help, keep reading.

Importance of Gum Health
Your gums are an essential part of the structure of your mouth. Healthy gums hold your teeth in place and protect their roots from tooth decay and irritation. Without proper oral hygiene, plaque can build up around the gum line, irritate your gums, and lead to periodontal disease. Left unchecked, periodontal disease can cause permanent damage to your gums and the connective tissues that hold your teeth in place. If you lose teeth due to weakened gum tissue, the bone in your jaw will begin to deteriorate. Lost teeth can also cause difficulty speaking, and dental implants or other dental appliances may be your only option if poor gum care causes you to lose teeth.

Proper Hygiene for Healthy Gums
Your cosmetic dentist can show you how to properly brush and, just as importantly, floss your teeth. You should make sure to brush your teeth twice a day and floss once a day, using a fresh piece of floss and taking care to floss between each tooth and behind your back molars. Despite your best brushing and flossing efforts, plaque can still build up on teeth, so it’s important to visit your Chicago dentist regularly for professional cleanings and examinations. Never hesitate to ask your dentist about your gum health and if there’s more you can do at home to care for your gums—your dentist will be happy to answer any questions you have.

Get more information about gum and tooth health by visiting University Associates in Dentistry of Chicago . We can help you maintain or restore a healthy, beautiful smile with the latest technology and dental treatments available. Check us out on the web or call (312) 704-5511 to schedule an appointment.

A bright, gleaming smile can be one of your best assets. It is important to pay attention to your dental health so that you can be healthy and feel confident in yourself. If you are missing some or all of your teeth, pay a visit to your Chicago dentist to explore your options for replacing these teeth. Dental implants are a popular and effective solution for tooth replacement. Not only do implants last longer than dentures or fixed bridges, they also look better! Take a look at our handy infographic to see how dental implants stack up against dentures, and pass it along to your friends and family.