Top 5 Tips for Preventing Childhood CavitiesTaking steps to prevent cavities in your child’s early development is the best way to start good oral health habits that continue throughout life. Educating them on proper daily oral hygiene, the importance of a nutritious diet, and other factors that are good for their oral health can go a long way toward minimizing the risk of cavities and other… Continue Reading
Why Do My Gums Bleed When I Floss?ums that bleed while flossing can be due to a number of issues; however, if it is a common occurrence, it may likely be a sign of periodontal (gum) disease. To be sure, bleeding gums while flossing and performing daily oral hygiene routines could be caused by factors other than gum disease. These include a vitamin deficiency, a reaction to… Continue Reading
How to Get Rid of a Tooth InfectionA tooth infection can endanger your oral health and your general health. Caused by a buildup of bacteria that affects the nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues inside the tooth’s pulp, a tooth infection can result from severe decay, an untreated cavity, a fracture in the enamel, or even just poor oral hygiene routines. Some of the symptoms of a… Continue Reading
Does Smoking Affect Dental Implants?Our dentists believe that smoking just before dental implants are placed, and anytime after the procedure, can have a significantly negative effect on a variety of levels. In addition to increasing the risk of infection, smoking may dramatically slow the rate of healing after surgery. Plus, research has shown that there are high implant failure rates among individuals who smoke…. Continue Reading
What to Eat After Teeth WhiteningAfter a professional teeth whitening treatment, you’ll naturally want to keep the results of your whiter, brighter smile going for as long as possible. While the effects of teeth whitening won’t be permanent, they can last for extensive periods as long as you take a few precautions, particularly when it comes to the food and beverages you consume after you’ve… Continue Reading
How to Fix a Chipped ToothEven the smallest chip in a tooth can have a noticeable effect on the appearance of your smile. These very common dental conditions can result from traumatic impact, falls, or trying to open a bottle or a package with your teeth. Thankfully, Dr. Dean Lodding and our experienced team of dentists offer numerous treatments that can address chipped teeth and… Continue Reading
How Many Dental Implants Will I Need for My Implant Denture?An implant denture essentially offers patients a hybrid version of dental implants and custom dentures, reaping the benefits of both of these advanced treatments to provide exemplary missing teeth replacement results. Implant dentures do not require a dental implant for each missing tooth; instead, only a select number of implants will be necessary, and these implants will work to provide… Continue Reading
How Do you Design a SmileDo you hate the color, shape, size, or spacing of your teeth? Then you’re in luck! (Well… not luck, but we have the answer that you have been searching for.) The advancements in dentistry have been truly remarkable (triple backflip with one leg remark-able) — especially when it comes to porcelain veneers. Not only have the materials used to make… Continue Reading
Fluoride and Sealants: They’re Not Just For Kids AnymoreYou’re very diligent about brushing twice a day and flossing regularly. You even make sure you see Smile for Life Dental at least twice a year for your checkup and cleaning! Then one day, Dr. Lodding or Dr. Schuiling tells you you have a cavity! How could this happen? Believe it or not, the CDC Reports that 91% of individuals over… Continue Reading
Floss With Finesse: 5 Flossing Tips It may look like a simple piece of string, but dental floss is so much more! It’s a proven ally in maintaining healthy teeth and gums and helps give your overall health a boost. Do you floss daily? What techniques help you get the most out of your flossing experience, without injury to your gums? Your Dentist in Elgin,… Continue Reading