Dentists in the South Loop of Chicago

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Michigan Ave Office

312.922.1898

Lincoln Park Office

773.935.3600

Are You Flossing Correctly?

Do you floss every day? If you don't you should; and if you do, make sure you're doing it right! The practice of flossing removes any plaque that is wedged between teeth, helps to prevent gum disease, and enhances overall dental health. Because it is so important, be sure to avoid the following mistakes: Using the same section repeatedly. Nothing works to remove food particles stuck between teeth like dental floss. If you keep using the same section of floss,...

What To Do About Chipped or Cracked Teeth

Your teeth are generally very strong, but they can chip, crack or break in a number of ways: Biting down on something hard Being hit in the face or mouth Falling Cavities weakening the tooth Old fillings being unable to support the remaining enamel of the tooth Minor cracks in teeth usually don't hurt, but a large piece breaking off can cause pain if the nerve inside the tooth is damaged. So what can you do? Cracked or Fractured Teeth...

Oral Health Affects Overall Health

Your oral health can affect the rest of your body, and may even be a sign of your overall health. Your mouth is full of bacteria - most harmless - but without proper oral hygiene, this bacteria can lead to oral infections. Oral health can affect or be affected by a variety of diseases and other conditions, such as the following: Endocarditis: Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of your heart, and typically occurs when bacteria and other germs...

Brighten Your Smile for the Big Day

It seems that there is a wedding pretty much every weekend in summer and fall. If you are getting married, member of a wedding party or even just a guest, it's important to make your teeth look great for the occasion. The best way to get your teeth wedding-ready is to have them professionally whitened. Teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic dentistry services, and wedding parties are one group that often takes advantage of the procedure. Most cosmetic dentistry...

Have you Heard About Invisalign?

Move over, traditional braces! Invisalign is a breakthrough technology for straightening teeth, using clear plastic aligners custom-made for each individual patient. These aligners are comfortably fitted over your teeth and virtually invisible to others. They gradually and gently shift your teeth into the desired position based on the exact movements the dentist plans out. Rather than metal wire braces that need to be tightened, you get a new set of aligners every couple of weeks until teeth have straightened as...

Healthy Lunches for Back to School

In all the stress of going preparing your kids to go back to school, we sometimes forget the seemingly minor details in what the new school year brings. More school systems are trying to promote more nutritional options for school lunches, but it is ultimately a parent's responsibility to ensure kids are eating healthy each day. It is often easier to pack a kid's lunch with sugar-filled drinks and treats that don't take much time to prepare. In most cases,...

Dental Health at an Early Age

You want the best for your kids, and to make sure they stay happy and healthy. Being knowledgeable on the best health practices for your little ones will ensure they have a lifetime of health and happiness. What should I use to clean my baby's teeth? Any soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head, preferably one designed specifically or infants, should be used at least once a day to remove plaque and bacteria from your baby's teeth. When should I take...

Oral Cancer Screenings with VELscope

In our last post, we discussed the severity of oral cancer . Fortunately, our office now offers the VELscope, an FDA-approved hand-held device to help clinicians detect cancer and pre-cancer that may not be noticed by the naked eye. Here we will answer questions you may have about this state-of-the-art device. How does the VELscope work? The VELscope works by emitting a blue light into the oral cavity, meant to excite the surface tissues through to the basement membrane, where...

Oral Cancer

Each year, almost 41,000 Americans will be diagnosed with oral and throat cancers. With a 5-year survival rate at only 64 percent, early detection and treatment are incredibly important. During dental visits, your dentist can examine the oral cavity for signs of mouth and/or throat cancer. Regular visits will improve the chances that any changes in oral health will be caught early when cancer can be treated more easily. Be aware of the following symptoms, and see your dentist if...

Say Bye-Bye to Bad Breath

Have you ever had a conversation with someone whose breath smelled so bad, you could not wait to get away? For those that suffer from bad breath, or halitosis, the main cause is a buildup of bacteria living in the mouth, particularly on the back of the tongue. Your mouth, being warm and moist, is an ideal environment for these bacteria to grow. While some types of bad breath, such as "morning mouth," are of no cause for concern, others...

What Your Mouth May be Telling You

Just as your oral health than affect your general health, your general health can affect your oral health. Problems occurring throughout the body can spread or manifest themselves in the mouth. Look for the following signs that may mean you have a health problem: Flat, worn teeth and jaw pain -- When you sleep, you may grind your teeth. Also known as bruxism, teeth-grinding is a sign of stress. You may notice flatness of your teeth or a jaw ache in...

Cover all the Bases at Your Next Dental Appointment

When you visit your cosmetic dentist, a variety of factors should be evaluated. Make sure the following are covered on your next visit: Medical History: As with regular doctor visits, you should discuss all significant medical history, such as any conditions you have, medications, allergies, surgeries or hospitalizations. Oral cancer screening: Approximately 30,000 Americans are diagnosed with oral cancer each year, and the five-year survival rate is only at 50 percent. The bright side is that survival rates increase with...