The foods you eat have a big impact on your oral health. Soda, sports drinks, and energy drinks sometimes have as much as 4 tablespoons of sugar in one bottle, which increases your risk for tooth decay and cavities. A lot of fruit has a high acid content, which could wear away your enamel. Drink a glass of water when you eat fruit so you can avoid this issue.

Milk, yogurt, and other dairy products are great sources of calcium that keep teeth strong. Crunchy fruits and vegetables can clean off your teeth while you eat them. Check out this video to learn more about which foods to avoid and which ones to eat more often.

University of Associates in Dentistry is here to help you maintain your oral health. From preventative to cosmetic dentistry, we offer the services you need to maintain your smile . Call (888) 481-6598 to learn more.

Your overall oral health , other health issues, and the foods you eat all affect your breath. If you have bad breath, one of these factors might be the culprit. Keep reading to learn more about bad breath so you can figure out how to avoid it:

Where Does it Come From
Bad breath is kind of like body odor, it can come from different sources and can be caused from many different things. Did you know it can stem from your lungs, your stomach, and tonsils? When these problems exist you will need more than gum to keep your health in check!

Bacteria in the Mouth
Everyone has bacteria in the mouth at all times. Some of these bacteria are good and others are not. If you do not properly brush and floss your teeth, the bad bacteria mix with sugar and other food particles, which encourage more growth and might lead to bad breath, or halitosis. If you smoke or use other tobacco products, you might also develop bad breath.

Odorous Foods
The body has a complex system of breaking down food and sending nutrients to different locations. This process starts in the mouth. You chew food and swallow it, where it finds its way to your stomach for digestion before your blood absorbs it. The blood then carries it to your lungs, which expel it in your breath. If your diet consists of a lot of strong-smelling foods like garlic or onions, you will  probably notice a change in your breath . Since brushing or flossing only masks the odor, the bad breath will not go away until the foods completely pass through your system.

Health Issues
If you have bad breath, it might be a sign that there is another issue in your body. Periodontal disease often causes bad breath. Ill-fitting dental equipment, yeast infections inside the mouth, dry mouth, and even cavities can negatively affect the way the breath smells. Bad breath could also be a sign that you have a different kind of illness like pneumonia, bronchitis, chronic sinus infections, or liver problems.

If you have bad breath, the dentists at  University Associates in Dentistry  can help. Our dental team is here to identify and treat the root of your problem so you can get rid of your halitosis. To learn more about this and other dental services, visit us online or call (888) 481-6598.

The way you care for your teeth and gums at home has a huge impact on your overall oral health. Flossing helps you maintain beautiful teeth and a healthy smile . Keep reading to find out how:

Flossing makes brushing more effective
Although brushing your teeth is an essential aspect of your oral hygiene routine, it is not as effective on its own as it is when you combine it with flossing. Brushing your teeth helps you dislodge food, bacteria, and plaque from the surfaces of your teeth. Flossing helps you get rid of the plaque that might be between your teeth and gums. A toothbrush cannot reach these crevices, but the floss can. This helps reduce your risk for tooth decay and periodontal disease. Combining brushing with flossing is also a great way to keep your teeth cleaner so they look their best. Silk floss was the first type of floss that was introduced in 1815 by a dentist in New Orleans named Levi Spear Parmly. Johnson & Johnson Corporation introduced the first dental floss that resembles the floss we use today.

Flossing prevents oral health issues before they happen
If you floss on a daily basis, you can significantly reduce your risk for certain oral health issues that might end up costing you a lot of money. When you properly care for your teeth, you do not have to spend as much money on  restorative dentistry . Instead of waiting for your next dental appointment to ensure that your teeth and gums are clean, you can use floss to make sure that they are.

Flossing can help you prevent other diseases
Infections in the mouth can increase your risk for other health problems in different areas of the body. People with periodontal disease have a higher risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, and breathing problems. Simply using floss each day can help you protect your overall health and reduce your risk for certain diseases. Right now, in the US only 10%-40% of people floss on a daily basis although it is recommended for everyone to floss at least once a day.

At University Associates in Dentistry, we want to give you every tool to  help you get the healthiest teeth and gums . From deep cleanings to root canal therapy, we work hard to prevent oral issues before they happen. To learn more about our services or to schedule your next appointment, visit us online or call (888) 481-6598.

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that causes you to stop breathing multiple times throughout the night. Without the proper flow of oxygen, a person with sleep apnea becomes more susceptible for health problems like heart attack, stroke, and high blood pressure. If you have sleep apnea , your dentist could help you find a treatment that decreases your symptoms and allows you to get the rest you need. Keep reading to find out how:

The Dentist Can Create a Custom Oral Appliance
Oral appliances can prevent the airway obstruction  that leads to sleep apnea side effects like snoring and difficulty breathing. The dentist can create a custom oral appliance for you to minimize your symptoms and help you sleep better throughout the night.

The Oral Appliance Keeps the Jaw in the Correct Position
Sleep apnea often occurs because the soft tissue in the mouth and throat collapses, which causes an obstruction to the airway. Wearing an oral appliance helps keep your lower jaw, tongue, soft palate, and hyoid bone in the proper position to prevent this collapse. Without the obstruction, you should be able to breathe normally while you sleep and wake up each morning feeling refreshed.

The Oral Appliance Provides Effective and Convenient Treatment
Unlike other sleep apnea treatment options like continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), oral appliances are small and comfortable to wear. This means that you can get the sleep apnea treatment you need without making yourself feel uncomfortable at night. Oral appliances are easy to bring with you when you travel so you can always have them with you.

If you think you have sleep apnea, you should schedule an appointment with Chicago’s  University Associates in Dentistry  for a consultation and official diagnosis. Our dental team is here to offer you the best tools and exams in the city to ensure that you get the treatment you need for your oral health issues. To learn more about our sleep apnea treatment or other services, visit us online or call (888) 481-6598.

Celebrate this holiday with changing out your toothbrush, flossing, and admiring your beautiful smile! 

Did you know today, August 26, is National Dog Day? Make sure you’re celebrating with your dogs to show them some love. 

We can attribute more than just good food and spirits to New Orleans! According to OralB, the “invention of dental floss as we know it goes to a New Orleans dentist, who in 1815 began advising his patients to use a thin silk thread to clean between their teeth.”

Have you been flossing?