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.