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We’ve all seen articles on the miracle of oil pulling and its untold health benefits. But how much of this is true? Let’s examine this practice a little more deeply to see if there’s anything to the craze. What exactly is oil pulling? The practice itself is quite simple: you take a tablespoon of edible oil (coconut seems to be especially popular, but you can use sesame, sunflower, olive, etc.) and swish with it, pulling it through the teeth for anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes. It is an ancient folk remedy rooted in the Ayurvedic health care tradition with centuries of use. What are the benefits? Depending on who you ask, this method can cure all your ills. Anecdotally, proponents of oil pulling claim it can: remove toxins and harmful bacteria from the mouth and the body as a whole reduce plaque and improve cavity protection whiten teeth Ayurvedic texts  also claim oil pulling can cure up to 30 systemic diseases, from headaches to diabetes and asthma. However, it’s important to note that there is little to no scientific evidence that oil pulling provides actual benefit. The American Dental Association  (ADA) is quick to say that, while there is historical, popular and anecdotal support for the practice, scientific studies regarding it are at best inconclusive.  Additionally, as noted by the ADA in the same response, there are documented cases of diarrhea, upset stomach, lipid pneumonia and mineral oil aspiration, so the practice is not without risk.  What do dentists think about oil pulling? At the end of the day we can really only speak for our dentists, who have both seen positive effects in some of our patients from oil pulling. Swishing with any non-harmful, non-acidic liquid for a prolonged period is likely to have SOME benefit - namely disrupting the biofilm that has settled on your teeth and dislodging/removing potentially harmful bacteria.  If done with proper caution, they feel the potential for adverse effects to be minimal - though be aware of the quality of the oil you’re using. Oils marketed specifically for the practice (non food grade) may not be appropriately tested  for harmful levels of metal and arsenic. Drs. Strobel and Terrassa are both quick to say, however, that this should be an adjunct to your home care routine, not a replacement . Brushing twice daily for 2 minutes a pop, rinsing with an antiseptic rinse like Listerine and flossing are all clinically proven, essential ingredients to successful home care.

It’s easy not to think about it - why would what’s going on in our mouth affect the rest of our body? As it turns out, the mouth is more than just a vehicle for food to enter our system! The oral environment is a breeding ground for bacteria, both good and bad. How we take care of it directly impacts the health of our body overall. Let’s consider the relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes as a prime example. Periodontal disease and diabetes is a two way street; the presence of either condition can increase the risk for the other. To break it down: Periodontal Disease Effects Inflammation -  periodontitis increases the body's overall inflammation, leading to an increased risk of diabetes Poor blood sugar control -  the inflammatory nature of this condition can lead to insulin resistance, directly impacting your ability to regulate your blood sugar Increased risk of complications - in individuals who have both periodontal disease and diabetes, the chance of complications soars: it is linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and kidney disease Diabetes Disease Effects Less saliva -  decreased saliva, your body’s first defense against harmful oral bacteria, means more bacterial proliferation and a greater chance of decay and disease Higher glucose in saliva -  additionally, the concentration of sugar in the saliva that is present contributes to the proliferation of disease causing bacteria More susceptible to infection -  diabetes weakens the body’s immune system response, making you more prone to infections like periodontal disease Blood vessel changes -  in diabetics, the blood vessels thicken, which makes it harder for the body to deliver nutrients and remove waste from gums, thereby increasing the chance of infection What can be done to manage this connection effectively? Control your blood sugar - important for both conditions, regulated blood sugar reduces inflammation and risk of infection Practice good oral hygiene - see our home care guide  for tips on how to care for your teeth at home! See your doctor and dentist regularly - regular checkups for both your oral and overall health will aid in prevention and early detection of any issues Gum disease doesn’t just share a symbiotic relationship with diabetes; heart disease, stroke, respiratory disease and complications in pregnancy are all a concern when gum disease is present. Worried about your gum health? Talk to us about a comprehensive evaluation today!

There are certain things we’ve all been taught about keeping our teeth healthy: brush, floss, rinse, repeat! Oral health is a bit more complicated than that, however, and there are some things you may not even consider that could be impacting the soundness of your teeth. Here are the 5 worst habits for your teeth, straight from the dentist! Using Teeth as Tools Sometimes you just can’t find a can opener! But though it may be convenient, using your teeth for opening bottles or cans, ripping or cutting things that aren’t food, or really in any capacity other than eating can significantly increase the risk of cracks and fractures. Chewing Ice/Pens/Nails Similar to number 1, your teeth should be used for food only! Chewing non edible things brings your teeth into contact with surfaces harder than they are meant for, and can lead to chips, cracks, or fractures, especially if decay is already present. Thumbsucking It may seem like an innocent habit (and oh so cute for little babies!), but thumbsucking can have disastrous consequences on the alignment of teeth. Any thumbsucking past the age of 3 or 4 can put too much pressure on the teeth, causing misalignment, open bite, even jaw and palate malformation. This in turn can lead to difficulty chewing and speech impediments, among other concerns. Brushing Too Hard You’re probably asking yourself, isn’t brushing a good thing?! And when done correctly, it is a crucial step in your home health routine. However, overly aggressive brushing can abrade the gums, causing recession that, if unchecked, can lead to invasive and uncomfortable procedures like gum grafting surgery. Remember to use gentle strokes at a 45 degree angle to the gums! Read more on correct brushing technique here . Excessive Sugar Intake As they say, everything in moderation! Too much sugar can have negative effects on your overall health, potentially even leading to type 2 diabetes. In oral health terms, the bacteria responsible for tooth decay LOVE a sugar party in the mouth - the bacteria consume the sugar, proliferate, and begin to attack the teeth. Overly sugary drinks also often have a high acid content, leading to acidic erosion of your teeth’s enamel.  Good habits for your teeth include drinking plenty of water, brushing your teeth and flossing every day, and eating a healthy diet. Questions on your home care routine or habits to avoid? Contact us today!

Looking into retirement? There are things to consider! For those of you nearing retirement (and eagerly awaiting it) - congratulations! When you’re this close to that kind of unstructured time, it might seem perfectly reasonable to put some things off until it arrives - like time-consuming dental work, for example. Counter-intuitive though it may seem, the years before you retire are actually a perfect time to take care of your oral health, for 3 key reasons: Insurance Benefits Possibly the most obvious reason to knock out proactive dental treatment comes when you have dental insurance through your employer. Large companies especially tend to have solid benefits, offering you anywhere from $500 to $3000 a year in reimbursement for various dental procedures. Not sure if you fall into this category? Our admin team can help you establish if you have any benefits of which you should take advantage! Systemic Health We’ve covered the link between oral health and general health before, and the evidence to support this connection just keeps growing. Poor oral health has documented links to Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and stroke, not to mention general nutrition. As with any condition, this becomes harder to manage as you age, and a healthier retirement can allow you to reap the rewards of all your hard work fully. Treatment now means less treatment later   At Strobel Dentistry, we pride ourselves on comprehensive care, which doesn’t always mean extensive care - that is, we don’t want to do anything unnecessarily and aim to preserve as much of your natural tooth as possible. But that doesn’t mean we don’t understand the value of proactive  treatment! Electing to take care of small things now- while your body is better able to regenerate and you potentially have dental benefits to use- will prevent more complex treatment later. A well timed filling replacement, night guard, or orthodontic course could easily prevent future crowns, root canals, or extractions/implants.  Above all else, we hope you’re sticking to your regular hygiene therapy visits with us. If you’re a few years away from this big transition, now might be the perfect time for our Comprehensive Evaluation and Report of Findings - basically a physical from the neck up! This will give you a clear picture of where you’re at, what you may need now, and what can wait a few years, allowing us to take these last well-insured moments and maximize your care over the course of time. Talk to us about what treatment options are right for you today!

It’s an unfortunate misconception that decay in baby teeth isn’t a big deal. “I don’t need to worry about these baby teeth, they’ll just be replaced!” Right? WRONG! Decay in primary teeth, when left untreated, can have some serious consequences: Problems with alignment in adult (permanent) teeth  - first and foremost, primary teeth are space savers. They ensure that the adult teeth have the space to erupt properly and in correct alignment with each other. If baby teeth are allowed to decay and are subsequently lost too quickly, others can shift into that empty space, resulting in the impaction and misalignment of the adult teeth underneath. This can mean costly orthodontic treatment to correct that would not have been needed otherwise.  Infection and pain - untreated decay will continue to worsen, and if it spreads far enough, it can cause an infection in the nerve and lead to an abscess. This is very painful for your child and results in complicated dental treatment to fix! Malformed permanent teeth -  decay and infection, as described above, don’t know to stop when they’ve gotten through the primary teeth. Unchecked decay can have a direct impact on the developing teeth below, resulting in malformed or stained permanent teeth. It can also spread to any permanent teeth that have already erupted. Another big concern is what this early decay can indicate. A leading cause of decay is a poor oral healthcare routine at home - if the cause of your child’s cavities is an excessive sugar intake, poor brushing or a lack of flossing, these negative habits can follow them into adulthood and lead to recurring issues with their adult teeth. Our dentists can advise you on how to address these issues early and give you suggestions on how to turn things around. If you’re wondering how to help your child take care of their teeth, or need to treat baby tooth decay already, talk to the expert dentists at Strobel today. They’ll have helpful tips and tricks to get your child back on the right path!

Losing their first set of teeth is a huge milestone for your kiddos! Of course, as with any big life event, it comes with a lot of questions. When will they lose them? What do you have to do to prepare? How much do you have to pay the tooth fairy?! Let’s explore answers to some of these queries! When will my child lose their baby teeth? This handy chart from the ADA  breaks it down nicely, but in general, you can expect your little one’s teeth to fall out roughly in the same order they came in initially.  The lower central teeth are generally lost at 6-7 years, with the upper front teeth close behind. After that, teeth are lost/replaced around the rate of 3-4 a year until age 12 or 13.  In addition to the teeth being replaced, your child’s more fully developed jaw is large enough at this stage to support adult molars! There are 3 sets of these, one in each quadrant of the mouth, that bring us from a total of 20 baby teeth to 32 adult teeth. First molars will come in around ages 6-7 and second molars from 11-13 - hence you’ll often hear these called “6 year” and “12 year” molars. The third molars, more commonly known as wisdom teeth, don’t come in until the late teens, and sometimes don’t erupt at all. When they do erupt, they often cause issues for the rest of the mouth, which is why they are so often extracted shortly after their arrival.  What happens if a baby tooth falls out too early? Depends on the tooth! In the event of injury/trauma/premature loss of a front tooth, probably not a lot. It’s important to take your kiddo in to see the dentist for an assessment, but more likely than not they’ll just monitor the area until the permanent tooth erupts.  If, however, one of the back teeth (primary Molars) is lost too early, you’ll want your dentist to address that using a “space maintainer” to prevent shifting of the other teeth, which could negatively impact the position of the adult dentition. Why are baby teeth important? We go into more detail on that here , but in short, baby teeth are the gatekeepers for permanent teeth. If they are not well cared for and suffer decay, it can affect the placement and development of permanent teeth, and may even lead to a more serious infection.  How can I tell if my child will need braces? At our office, we check children for signs of crowding/misalignment and start taking x-rays around age 6 to help determine if orthodontic treatment will be necessary down the line. Often a dentist will be able to predict future orthodontic treatment by around 8 years old, depending on the case. However, it’s important to note that at this young age, some crowding or spacing is completely normal, and may self-correct as the child’s jaw grows.  Most of the time, monitoring is recommended until age 12 or 13, when your child has the majority of their adult teeth and can start any necessary orthodontic process. For younger children, ages 6 and up, orthodontic expanders are commonly used when the Dentist notes that the upper and lower arch are too narrow to accommodate the permanent teeth.   What do I need to do to prepare for my kid’s adult teeth? In our experience, outside of keeping things clean and regular dental visits, addressing pacifier use/thumb sucking is the number one way you can help ensure a healthy adult smile for your kids. Ideally, these self soothing techniques would be dramatically reduced by around age 3 - if they persist in a meaningful way to age 5 or 6, they can lead to serious teeth misalignment, speech impediment, or jaw malformation. And of course, don’t hesitate to ask us if you have questions or concerns!

Most of us have heard of the term obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), but do we know what it means and how serious it can be? Read on to learn more about what OSA is and what you can do to treat it if you’re a sufferer! Why do I need sleep? Let’s first look at why sleep is important. For our bodies to function at optimum performance, they need rest. The rest we get during proper sleep allows for restorative processes like muscle growth and tissue repair. It also aids in a process called neuroplasticity - our brain’s ability to create new neural connections based on memory acquisition and learning.  When we don’t get adequate sleep, it can lead to a host of problems. These can range in severity from issues like irritability and poor memory to increased risk of diabetes, hypertension and depression.  What is Obstructive Sleep Apnea? Simply put, OSA is when breathing stops or is significantly decreased one or more times during sleep.  More technically, it occurs when airflow is decreased by at least 80% for more than 10 seconds. These interruptions can happen 30 or more times an hour. So what exactly happens? You fall asleep, causing the body to relax and lose muscle tone. This causes a significant, if not complete, collapse of your airway, interrupting the normal inhalation of oxygen and exhalation of carbon dioxide. This obstruction leads to hypoxia, or lack of oxygen reaching the tissues, and carbon dioxide build up. The brain alerts the body to breathe, which leads to arousal. An arousal sometimes means you fully wake up or sometimes it means you may come out of REM, or move. Upon waking your muscle activity increases, reopening the airway and allowing for normal breath. As you fall back asleep, the above cycle repeats itself again throughout the night. It is estimated that 17 - 20% of adults suffer from OSA, though less than 10% have been diagnosed. It is more prevalent than diabetes or asthma. An even greater percentage, up to 67%, experience heavy snoring. The chances of having OSA increase if you are overweight, but anyone can be affected. 5 major signs of Obstructive Sleep Apnea: loud snoring occasionally waking up with the sensation of choking or gasping waking up with a very dry, sore throat headaches in the morning irritability and a decreased ability to concentrate How can I treat Sleep Apnea? There are a number of things you can do to lower your risk of OSA and/or treat an existing condition. These include: Maintain a healthy weight-  excess weight is a leading cause of OSA. Quit smoking-  when don’t we advocate for this, right? Among the other negatives of the habit, smokers are 3 times more likely to have OSA than those who have never smoked. Limit the use of system depressants-  sedatives, alcohol and tranquilizers can all relax the muscles in the throat and exacerbate OSA. Surgery-  if the cause of your OSA is more anatomical in nature - large tongue, thicker walls of the throat, naturally narrow airway, large tonsils - your doctor may recommend surgery to remove the excess tissue. Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP)- perhaps the most common treatment of severe OSA and the gold standard of treatment among many physicians, this machine covers your nose and mouth while you sleep and uses air pressure to keep your airway open.  Mandibular Advancement Devices (MADs)- these are a great alternative to the more cumbersome CPAP machines for people with OSA. The best results are seen in mild and moderate patients, but it’s also an alternative for people with severe apnea that don’t tolerate CPAP well, and something that a specially trained dentist can help you acquire.  These function more like night guards, helping to adjust the jaw and structures in the mouth to keep the airway open.  If you think you might suffer from OSA, don’t delay in speaking to Dr Isabella at Strobel Dentistry. She can help point you in the right direction and get you the help you need!

Chances are you’ve heard of Botox® before - it’s consistently gained popularity since its first use back in 1978 to treat eye muscle disorders. Now mostly known for its cosmetic use, there are many myths surrounding the treatment that we’re here to dispel! Contact our Chicago IL dental office today to learn more. Common Myths About Botox® In Chicago IL Botox® Is Unsafe: This treatment is FDA approved for many applications and has been thoroughly tested over decades. When executed by a trained professional, Botox® is completely safe. It is derived from the Botulism neurotoxin, leading many to think of it as poison. However, it has been purified in such a way that the amount needed to be toxic is almost 30x the maximum injected at any one time! Botox® Is Painful: There is little to no pain associated with this procedure - you’ll barely feel a thing! Botox® Is Only For Cosmetics: As we mentioned earlier, Botox® began its clinical use in the treatment of eye muscle disorders, and continues to be used for many ailments. In dentistry, this includes the treatment of bruxism, TMJ pain, and jaw tension, to name a few! Botox® Will Freeze Your Face: Botox® relaxes the muscles of the injection site, allowing for the reduction of wrinkles and management of pain/tension. It will not freeze the movement of any muscles. Botox® Is Addictive: While the treatment may leave you hankering for more procedures in different areas, the substance itself is not addictive - there is no evidence of any dependency related to Botox® use. Curious about Botox® and what it can do for you? Give us a call or schedule a consultation today!

Dental veneers in Chicago IL might be the perfect solution if you're unhappy with how your smile looks. This cosmetic dental technique hides various flaws and produces a stunning, flawless smile. But what are the costs of veneers, and are they worthwhile? Since the price of veneers relies on many variables, including the type of veneers you need, the clinic you choose, and, unsurprisingly, the number of veneers you require, it is unfortunately hard to provide a precise figure. Let's discuss veneer's cost in Chicago IL and the factors affecting them! How Much Do Veneers Cost? If you just Google "veneers near me" or "how much do veneers cost in Chicago," a bewildering array of daunting costs is sure to appear. Typically, porcelain veneer costs between $925 and $2,500 per tooth, whereas composite dental veneers range from $250 to $1,500 for each tooth. Composite veneers are not as strong or realistic-looking as their porcelain equivalents, which accounts for much of the price difference. Similarly, porcelain veneers are more expensive since they last much longer than other kinds of veneers. Despite their high price, veneers are still much less expensive than more intrusive procedures like dentures and dental implants. They also offer a more natural appearance and demand fewer dietary restrictions. Dental veneers are popular with patients because, in addition to seeming natural, they are also practical and simple to care for. It may be alluring to search for veneers at a low price, but it's much wiser to put your trust in a reputable dentist who has experience applying high-quality veneers. Veneers are, after all, a significant investment in the well-being of your smile. Poorly placed, low-quality veneers will not hold up. Although they could initially appear to be a cost-effective choice, they will need to be replaced frequently. You'll end up spending more money on this, and the process will add stress to your life. Factors That Influence Porcelain Veneers Cost In Chicago IL Experience Of The Dentist - The experience and knowledge of the dentist will be one of the major factors affecting the price of your porcelain veneers. Although a dentist with less expertise will cost less than one with 20 years, the results won't always be as reliable. Making sure your dentist has vast experience will help you get satisfying and long-lasting results. Technology And Techniques Used - Today's dental facilities provide a range of methods and tools for creating porcelain veneers. While some dentists utilize putty or wax impressions and an off-site dental lab where technicians hand-make each veneer, others use digital impressions and produce veneers in-house using CAD(computer-aided design)/CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) technology. Although it can cost extra, using an off-site dental lab will guarantee the most flawless and seamless fit. Number Of Veneers - Treatment plans requiring more porcelain veneers will be more expensive than those requiring just one or two veneers because the price is determined by each veneer. Type Of Veneers - Porcelain veneers can now be created by dental labs and dentists using a range of materials, such as liquid porcelain, thick ceramic, and ultra-thin ceramic. In general, newer products cost more than older ones because of the type of placement method and the materials used. Your dentist will go over every choice with you and explain the Pros and Cons of veneers during your consultation so you can plan your finances effectively. The Complexity Of The Case - To get the desired results, patients with a considerable cosmetic impairment will need a more thorough treatment plan and possibly further treatments. The fee will increase as the case becomes more complicated. Does Medicare Cover Veneers Cost? Dental veneers are a cosmetic dentistry procedure that a person "chooses" rather than "needs," according to the American Dental Association. This indicates that Medicare does not cover it. Porcelain veneers are unlikely to be covered by various government-funded programs that help qualified individuals with the expense of dental care. Tips To Reduce Porcelain Veneers Cost To make sure you're getting a decent bargain, look around for an additional policy that covers veneers and compare pricing online. When you see a doctor, bring your health fund card with you. By doing this, you avoid having to file a claim later, and your charge will be immediately decreased. Speak with your dentist about financing alternatives and payment plans and inquire about any current specials they may be running. Even though they won't lower the price of porcelain veneers, they make payment more reasonable by allowing you to distribute the cost over time. Conclusion It's essential to speak with a dentist who has experience with veneers if you're thinking about getting porcelain veneers to change the appearance of your smile. You might be able to have the ideal smile you've always wanted at a cost that won't break the bank by having veneers placed simply on these teeth. The point is that you could require fewer veneers than you originally believed or that you might be able to get comparable results with little orthodontic work and teeth whitening. Why not make an appointment with the skilled, amiable staff at Strobel Dentistry? If you want to learn how much veneers cost with procedure and if they're the right treatment for you; call us at (312) 726-3135 or email us at jess@strobeldentistry.com

The concept that oral health and systemic health in Chicago IL have a direct connection is certainly not novel. For years researchers have been studying the link between the two, and it seems every day we learn something new that further solidifies the relationship. Yet this fundamental symbiosis seems slow to work its way into the larger public perception. So what are the basics of this link between your mouth and the rest of your body? The Link Between Oral Health And Systemic Health The bacteria found in your mouth can be seen as a gateway to the rest of your system. When kept in balance by good oral hygiene, and not affected by other disease, this bacterium is usually healthy and doing exactly what it should be. When poor oral hygiene and other factors lead to periodontal disease, bone loss or tooth loss, the opportunities for harmful bacteria to enter your system increase substantially. Periodontal disease is often the first sign of systemic problems, and will always exacerbate existing conditions. Periodontitis has a direct reciprocal link to the following health problems, among others: Cardiovascular Disease – Research tells us that people with periodontal disease are at significantly higher risk for cardiovascular disease, including heart attack, atherosclerosis and stroke. Bacteria from oral infections travel to other systems via the blood stream, resulting in injury and inflammation of the blood vessels. This can lead to the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques and the lessening of available blood flow to the heart. Pregnancy Complications – Studies have found that mothers suffering from periodontal disease during pregnancy are up to 7 times more likely to give birth prematurely to underweight babies. This may be the fault of toxins present due to periodontal bacteria affecting the fetus, as well as responses by the maternal immune system to the presence of oral infection. Diabetes – High blood sugar levels, as well as high levels of sugar in saliva, are common in people with poorly controlled diabetes. This leads to a dramatically increased risk of caries and periodontal disease. Conversely, research shows that people with periodontal disease have greater difficulty controlling their blood sugar level, and that severe periodontal disease may even cause diabetes in patients who have not been previously diagnosed. General Nutrition – On the most basic level, problems in our mouth, especially those that cause us pain, can lead to a reduced or compromised nutrient intake, leading to worsened overall health. Similarly, if our nutritional intake is less than ideal, our oral health suffers, and this can lead to caries, periodontal disease and other dental concerns. Preventiative Oral Health In Chicago IL For a healthy Lifestyle Being aware of the problems that can occur due to an imbalance in the oral health-systemic health relationship isn’t enough. It’s also important to note the preventative benefits of recognizing this connection. Diseases will often manifest in the mouth first, and allowing your dentist a vital first look into what may be going on can save you valuable time. Periodic oral examinations can detect early signs of many diseases, including Osteoporosis, oral cancer, eating disorders such as Anorexia, and even HIV. So what can you do to support the healthy dynamic between oral and general health? No doubt about it, it’s a two way street. Good oral hygiene, including routine brushing, flossing, and regular visits to the dentist , are critical. So too are a balanced diet, exercise and routine check-ups with your physician. Above all don’t forget: no part of our body or mouth can afford to be ignored!

A frenectomy in Chicago IL is simply the surgical removal of a frenulum or a small fold of tissue that prevents a given organ in your body from moving too much or too far. In dentistry, we’re mainly concerned with three types of frenula: Labial – connects your upper lip to the gum tissue of your upper teeth Lingual – connects your tongue to the floor of your mouth Gingival – attaches to the gum tissue between two teeth What Is a Frenulum in Chicago IL? Generally, frenula are quite useful in helping to control the movement of otherwise poorly restricted organs, but occasionally the tissue does more harm than good. This is most common with the labial and lingual frenula and is usually first noticed in children as their dentition is developing. When the labial frenulum is overgrown or putting too much pressure on the gingival tissue to which it’s attached, it can cause a number of problems: discomfort, gum recession , impediment of the teeth erupting, or a large gap between the front two teeth, which may not be correctable through orthodontic treatment. Removal in these instances can significantly relieve discomfort and restore normal function of the front teeth. When possible it is usually advised to wait until a child’s permanent teeth have erupted to remove the frenulum. An overgrown lingual frenulum, on the other hand, can result in what’s commonly known as being “tongue-tied” When this attachment extends too far towards the tip of the tongue it can result in serious restrictions on your child’s ability to eat and speak properly. This will often start to present as a problem as early as 12 – 18 months, when you notice your child having a hard time speaking. Older children may also notice the tissue getting caught in their lower teeth. A dentist can also help diagnose a potential problem, and may notice the lingual frenulum causing gum recession of the lower teeth. Removal in these instances removes the risk of periodontal trouble and restores eating and speaking functions. Chicago IL Laser Frenectomies The good news is that frenectomies, when performed with a laser, are quick, fairly painless procedures with next to no bleeding and little recovery time needed. In our office, we perform them in as little as 20 minutes. If you think you or your child might benefit from this procedure, call us and schedule an exam today!

You wouldn’t think what you drink would have as strong an effect on your teeth as what you eat - after all, doesn’t the liquid wash straight over where food would stick and damage? But certain drinks can linger on the surfaces of teeth and do just as much, if not more, harm than their solid counterparts. Let’s take a look at the worst, and best drinks for your oral health in Chicago IL . The Best Drinks for your teeth In Chicago IL: Water - the gold standard of drinking choices - hydrating, acid neutral, and when you get it from a tap or filter it usually contains fluoride! Milk - the calcium content and low acidity level of milk make it an excellent alternative to many beverage. Be careful, though - milk still has plenty of sugar, so no drinking it after you brush your teeth at night. Green/Herbal Tea - plenty of antioxidants, plus lower acidity than coffee with a caffeine perk (if you go green). Be sure to pick the unsweetened variety and watch out for black tea, which is more acidic and dries out the mouth faster. Green Tea may result in a bit of superficial staining for some, but this can be easily removed. The Worst Drinks for your teeth in Chicago IL: Soda - the absolute worst, in pretty much every way. Soda may be delicious, but that’s its only redeeming quality. As you may have gleaned from the best drink list, liquids that are high in sugar are incredibly damaging to your teeth. Sugars, when left on teeth, encourage the proliferation of harmful bacteria that cause decay. Additionally, soda is very acidic, which wears through tooth enamel, weakening the structure and making it more susceptible to damage. Sport/Energy Drinks - very similar to soda in its effect on your teeth! While marketed as rehydrating and electrolyte replenishing, these drinks are often acidic and high in sugar. Juice - this is a trickier one, since the inclination is to think juices are healthy because they come from fruit. While we’d rather see you drink apple juice than Coke, the concentration of juice still makes it very high in sugar and pretty acidic (especially citrus juices). Our Tip: eat your fruits, don’t drink them. Wine - any alcohol really, because the strength, sugar and acidity wear down enamel quickly. Red wine has the added danger of staining those pearly whites. Coffee - To be fair, an unsweetened cup of coffee is not the most harmful thing in the world. The sweeteners people often add and the acid level, along with its ability to stain teeth, earn it a spot on the worst list, though. If you need that morning fix, try unsweetened, cold-brewed coffee for a healthier, lower acid alternative. Sparkling Water / LaCroix - A lot of people replace soda with sparkling water. Although this has systemic benefits, in our office, we see a TON of acid erosion from LaCroix. They’re not danger free! Now, we understand that abstaining from the above list entirely isn’t reasonable - we wouldn’t want to either! Here are some tips on lessening the effects of teeth-damaging beverages: Moderation - as with anything, always in moderation. Limiting the quantity you consume limits your exposure and helps protect that smile! Rinse with water - as often as is reasonable, rinse with water after consuming a sugary or acidic drink. This will wash away some of the harmful agents that might otherwise linger and attack your teeth. Drink, don’t sip - consuming your beverage more quickly will limit the amount of time the liquid spends on your teeth. Use a straw - lessens the amount of direct contact these liquids have with your enamel Xylitol gum - gum stimulates saliva production, the body’s natural teeth cleanser. Xylitol is a great sugar alternative that actually fights decay causing bacteria in the mouth. Wins all around!