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.