It’s the eternal debate. Do you call it soda or pop? Here in Chicago, most of us call it pop, but you’re more likely to call it soda if you’re from the South. Just as there are many colloquial terms for soda pop, the effects of those carbonated sugary drinks on your smile also come…
With the start of a new year, your resolutions may include improving your oral health and the appearance of your smile. Quick fixes like teeth whitening strips can seem like an appealing option for brightening your smile without having to visit the dentist, but are they really consequence-free? At-home whitening strips may provide an immediate…
Dental implants are a common procedure designed to improve the functionality of your teeth with artificial replacements. While they are similar to dentures or dental bridges, dental implants provide more comfortable and secure options for those who may not have enough remaining roots for damaged or lost teeth. All surgeries involve varying periods of discomfort…
The end of the year is a time to reflect on all you have accomplished in the past 12 months and remember what you still have left to do — like use up your dental insurance benefits! Some dental insurance plans require you to use up your benefits throughout the year or risk losing them…
The cold and dry winter air may come and go, but what about the dryness in your mouth? Experiencing a dry mouth for a long period of time could be a sign or side effect of various oral or overall health conditions. Understanding what could be causing your dry mouth is the first step to…
While it is known that oral health greatly impacts your overall health, most Americans unfortunately do not have dental insurance. Because of this, many people often forego visiting the dentist for as long as possible until an emergency occurs or until severe oral/dental conditions arise. Skipping the dentist because of a lack of dental insurance…
When you speak or smile, you want people to see your entire face — not just focus on your teeth. Teeth whitening is one of the easiest ways to boost confidence in your smile! While you can certainly receive teeth whitening services from your dentist, there are many actions you can take in your daily…
Unfortunately, good oral hygiene is not sufficient to keep the potential for dental emergencies at bay. Because everyone is susceptible to experiencing a dental emergency, it’s important to know your plan of action. Not all dental pain may necessitate an emergency visit, so here is a basic guide to help you determine when you should…
You are not suddenly “wise” when your wisdom teeth start to grow in — if they even do! Officially known as third molars, wisdom teeth represent a transition in the human skeleton from when the jawbone was larger, to its gradual adaptation to modern life. While most people will develop wisdom teeth — which typically…
Dental implants are a routine restorative dental procedure. Anyone can potentially need an implant for any number of reasons—including major tooth injury, tooth decay or sudden tooth loss. Today’s dental implants are designed to blend in with your natural teeth and can provide an alternative to dentures or bridgework that do not fit well, as…
